Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42141483›Full record

Trial reportTrials2026

Understanding trial designs and acceptability of participation in an HIV vaccine trial with concurrent randomisation to oral pre-exposure prophylaxis in East and Southern Africa: a longitudinal qualitative study.

Rachel Kawuma, Sarah Nakamanya, Edith Tarimo, Rujeko Samanthia Chimukuche, Jane Ambindwile, Doreen Pamba, Sylvia Kusemererwa, Patricia Munseri, Nishanta Singh, Karine Dubé and 4 more

Registry-linked trialAbstract readClinical Trial, Phase IIRandomized Controlled TrialMulticenter Study
In one paragraph

Trial report in Trials, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. It is linked to trial NCT04066881 (A Phase IIb Three-arm, Two-stage HIV Prophylactic Vaccine Trial With a Second Randomisation to Compare TAF/FTC to TDF/FTC as Pre-exposure Prophylaxis), which is not on this map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

NCT04066881 phase2completednot on this map

A Phase IIb Three-arm, Two-stage HIV Prophylactic Vaccine Trial With a Second Randomisation to Compare TAF/FTC to TDF/FTC as Pre-exposure Prophylaxis

TypeinterventionalSponsorMRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research UnitRan2020 to 2024Enrolled1,512ConditionsHIV InfectionsArmsVaccine Group A: DNA-HIV-PT123 and AIDSVAX® B/E (weeks 0,4,24,48), Vaccine Group B: DNA-HIV-PT123 and CN54gp140+MPLA-L (weeks 0,4), then MVA and CN54gp140+MPLA-L (weeks 24,48), Vaccine Group C: Saline placebo (weeks 0,4,24,48), Control PrEP:TDF/FTC once daily (weeks 0-26), Experimental PrEP:TAF/FTC once daily (weeks 0-26)
3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

14 authors.

Rachel KawumaMRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda. rachel.kawuma@mrcuganda.org.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5338-3517
Sarah NakamanyaMRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda.
Edith TarimoMuhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
Rujeko Samanthia ChimukucheAfrica Health Research Institute, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Jane AmbindwileNational Institute for Medical Research-Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, Tanzania.
Doreen PambaNational Institute for Medical Research-Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, Tanzania.
Sylvia KusemererwaViral Pathogens and Epidemiology Interventions, MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda.
Patricia MunseriMuhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
Nishanta SinghHIV and Other Infectious Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa.
Karine DubéPerelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
Sheena McCormackMRC Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK.
Eugene RuzagiraViral Pathogens and Epidemiology Interventions, MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda.
Janet SeeleyMRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda.
PrEPVacc trial team

Funding

European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership RIA2016V-1644Gilead Sciences CO-UK-412-5430Medical Research Council MC_UU_00004/03
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionThis qualitative study was conducted to assess participants' understanding of the PrEPVacc trial design and factors that influenced decisions to participate in the trial. PrEPVacc was a phase IIb, three-arm, two-stage HIV prophylactic vaccine trial with a second randomisation to oral pre-exposure prophylaxis. The main objective was to assess the safety and efficacy of two HIV-1 prophylactic vaccine regimens, each compared to placebo, in preventing the acquisition of HIV.

methodsUsing a longitudinal approach, qualitative data were collected between October 2021 and September 2023. A sample of 105 participants (7% of trial participants) was purposively selected to participate in three in-depth interviews at 2, 6, and 12 months during the trial. Another 111 (92 females and 19 males) participated in 14 focus group discussions across four sites. Data were analyzed thematically.

resultsRepeated information sharing sessions facilitated by health workers helped participants understand key trial concepts and the design. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) was widely recognised as a protective measure alongside experimental vaccines. While vaccines were preferred for convenience and minimal side effects, individual perceived HIV risk was a main motivation for adhering to PrEP. Supportive relationships with health workers and close family members encouraged engagement in the trial, including acceptance to use the products. However, misinformation and stigma in communities created barriers to participation, with some participants facing social harm.

conclusionOverall, participants demonstrated a good understanding of randomisation, double-blinding, and placebo control, facilitated by clear, repeated communication from health workers. Strengthening strategies to enhance informed consent, reduce stigma, and promote trial acceptance is crucial for successful implementation and retention. CLINICAL

trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04066881. Registered on December 15, 2020.

Indexed as

AIDS VaccinesHIV InfectionsPatient Acceptance of Health CarePre-Exposure ProphylaxisAdministration, OralAdultAfrica, SouthernComprehensionFemaleHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeHumansLongitudinal StudiesMaleQualitative ResearchResearch DesignYoung AdultAIDS VaccinesAcceptabilityAfricaHIV preventionImplementationKnowledgeTrial participation

Identifiers

PMID42141483
PMCPMC13231623

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Registered trials

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.