The Role Of Community Radio In Supporting Hiv Prevention Trial Engagement And Recruitment
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Abstract
During the last two decades, different testing of innovative HIV prevention products, including intra-vaginal microbicide gels, has taken place with people from a range of communities. Inadequate education about research, little feedback among members and limited community engagement are the main causes of misunderstandings and trials being ended early. The Good Participatory Practice (GPP) guidelines were created to solve these issues, demanding that communities remain involved and that all stakeholders are kept well informed during clinical trials. Community radio is considered a useful and informal way to involve marginalized groups in discussions. How the Tshireletso Health Talk (THT) community radio program influenced participation in the MDP301 trial is examined in this study, as THT was aired on two stations. Between 2003 and 2010, THT broadcast 150 episodes that discussed research (36%), health education (46%) and both topics together (18%). Many listeners called in on the topic of health and diagnostics, with 150 replies being recorded. Around 11.9% of patients enrolled through the study said they learned about it through the radio, highlighting that the radio helped reach many prospective patients along with social networks and study team members. After joining the program, women shared what they learned which helped the message spread to their partners and the community. Although community radio increased research literacy and recruitment, it needs to be part of a community effort. The use of SMS and community forums, alongside other methods, allows organizations to get around language and access issues. All in all, the study shows that community radio helps HIV prevention trials engage those unaccustomed to research and recommends including it in future GPP programs.
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References
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