|
Abstract ISSUES: The Phase 3 Carraguard trial is currently underway in Durban and in two other sites in South Africa. Participant accrual, retention, and adherence to the study are important to determine efficacy of an intervention. Factors contributing to the participants' missing scheduled visits and or withdrawing from the study in the past year (2005) included recent/new employment, relocation, partner interference, and schooling schedules. DESCRIPTION: Strategies to ensure a retention rate of >90% were: three attempts to contact participants telephonically to ascertain reasons for the missed visit, home visits made by study staff (provided prior consent for this was given by the participant), transport to the clinic may be facilitated to ensure that women return to the clinic within their visit window, letters confirming attendance to the clinics may be given to the employer and concessions given to women who are in full-time employment to come later to the clinic to ensure all study procedures are completed. Women who cited fear of a partner as reasons for noncompliance and early withdrawal from the study were offered couples counseling, education on the value of study participation, and free HIV testing referrals for partners and partner treatment for STIs. RESULTS: By encouraging partners to attend the clinic for study education, high compliance to gel use and study visit schedule were noted. Not many participants chose to bring partners in for counseling or treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Innovative methods and strategies addressing the challenges in participant retention have improved the retention rate. Poster Session
This page updated |
