Knowledge and attitudes towards HIV vaccines among Soweto adolescents
2008

HIV Vaccine Knowledge and Willingness Among Soweto Adolescents

Sample size: 277 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): de Bruyn Guy, Skhosana Nokuthula, Robertson Gavin, McIntyre James A, Gray Glenda E

Primary Institution: Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

Hypothesis

What are the knowledge and attitudes towards HIV vaccines among adolescents in Soweto?

Conclusion

Soweto school-going youth report high degrees of willingness to participate in HIV vaccine trials, likely due to their high levels of HIV risk perception.

Supporting Evidence

  • 84 (35%) of participants were probably willing to participate in HIV vaccine trials.
  • 126 (52.5%) were definitely willing to participate.
  • 88.2% combined willingness to participate was reported.
  • Factors influencing willingness included receiving current information about HIV research and getting free counseling.

Takeaway

Many young people in Soweto are open to joining studies for HIV vaccines because they know a lot about HIV and feel at risk.

Methodology

A self-administered questionnaire was completed by high school students in Soweto to assess their knowledge and willingness to participate in HIV vaccine trials.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to reliance on self-reported data and the influence of peer pressure on decision-making.

Limitations

Not all data fields were adequately responded to, resulting in missing data for some items.

Participant Demographics

Mean age 16.2 years; 53.1% female.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.00001

Confidence Interval

95% confidence interval 84.1% – 92.3%

Statistical Significance

p<0.00001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1756-0500-1-76

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