Representation of Latinos & Blacks in Screening For & Enrollment into Preventive HIV Vaccine Trials in New York City

In the United States, Latinos and Blacks are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS, but have been underrepresented in HIV vaccine trials. We assessed screening and enrollment of Blacks and Latinos for preventive HIV vaccine trials conducted in New York City, 2009-2012.

A retrospective analysis was conducted among 18-50 year old men and transgender women screening for four preventive phase 1 and 2 HIV vaccine trials. Demographic, recruitment, and behavioral/medical eligibility data and outcome of screening were examined. To determine factors associated with enrollment, a multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed.

Among 6077 individuals who provided contact information, 2536 completed a phone pre-screen. 96 (1.6% of recruitment contacts) enrolled. Latinos were 35.7% of recruitment contacts, but 17.7% of those enrolled, whereas Blacks were 22.5% and 32.3%, respectively. Among all Latinos, nearly one third were excluded for being uncircumcised, an eligibility criterion for several studies. In multivariable analysis among potentially eligible potential participants, controlling for age and recruitment method, Latinos were less likely than Whites to enroll in a preventive HIV vaccine trial whereas Blacks were as likely as Whites. Individuals recruited through print advertisements, social media/internet, referral, and other modes were more likely to enroll compared to those recruited through in-person outreach, controlling for age and race/ethnicity.

Targeted outreach has led to substantial inclusion of Latinos and Blacks, with Blacks comprising almost a third of those enrolled in these preventive HIV vaccine trials. Latinos, however, were less likely to enroll compared to Whites. Circumcision status as an eligibility criterion partly accounts for this, but further studies are warranted to address the reasons Latinos decide not to participate in preventive HIV vaccine trials.

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By: Ellman TM1, Hawkins K2, Benitez J3, Negron R3, Chang S3, Palmer S3, Robertson V3, Chiasson MA4, Sobieszczyk ME3.

• 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA; ICAP, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, Box 18, New York, NY 10032, USA. Electronic address: tme2108@columbia.edu.
• 2Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, 12700 E. 19th Avenue, Mail Stop B168, Aurora, 80045 CO, USA. Electronic address: kellie.hawkins@ucdenver.edu.
• 3Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA.
• 4Public Health Solutions, 40 Worth Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10013, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA.  

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