Social and ethical considerations in engaging American Indian and Alaska Native communities in HIV clinical research

Abstract

Background American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) have the 4th highest rate of new HIV diagnoses among racial/ethnic groups and the highest mortality rate after an AIDS diagnosis (CDC, 2012), yet continue to be underrepresented in HIV clinical research trials due to historical and cultural factors. This presentation will highlight social and ethical experiences that contribute to mistrust of Western research and medicine and low involvement in HIV clinical research trials, and provide effective strategies for respectfully engaging Native communities. The presentation will also describe the Native American Engagement in HIV Clinical Research (NAEHCR) project, a pilot aimed at increasing awareness and engagement in HIV clinical research with urban Indigenous communities using a participatory framework. NAEHCR was developed in partnership between the National Native American AIDS Prevention Center and the Legacy Project. NAEHCR is currently being conducted with DAIDS-funded research sites in Seattle, USA (HVTU, ACTU) and Denver, USA (HVTU, INSIGHT).