Exploring research participant's perceptions and comprehension of the informed consent process in a pre-exposure HIV prevention study in Zimbabwe : a case study.
Loading...
Date
2012
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Background. An inherent challenge in HIV prevention studies is making sure that trial participants
understand the information. This study explored trial participants’ perceptions and
comprehension of the informed consent process in a pre-exposure HIV prevention
study. Method. Face-to-face in-depth interviews, using a study guide, were held with twenty
interviewees purposively selected from ex-participants of an HIV prevention study.
Audio-recorded data were transcribed, translated, coded using NVivo 8, and analysed
according to themes. Results. The participants were all women between the ages of 18 and 40. Participants felt that
key information had been given during the informed consent process. Most felt that the
process of obtaining informed consent was rushed with some participants citing a need
for more time to make a decision regarding participation. Some participants felt
pressured to sign consent forms. Some found it difficult to ask questions and mixed
feelings existed on male partner involvement in the decision-making process.
Conclusions: Participants experienced the consent process as rushed and most only fully
comprehended study concepts with time. Their concerns necessitate the reassessment
of informed consent processes in a developing world setting.
Description
Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2012.
Keywords
Informed consent (Medical law)--Zimbabwe., AIDS (Disease)--Zimbabwe., Theses--Psychology., HIV infections--Research--Moral and ethical aspects.