Materials and Links Presentation Report

Background: 

In fall 2008, the Forum for Collaborative HIV Research, in collaboration with Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH), conducted a study to examine the practices associated with pregnancy management and contraceptive care that are occurring in clinical trials for ongoing and planned phase II and III clinical microbicide and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) trials.  Data for this research were obtained through both quantitative (online data collection) and qualitative (key informant interviews) methods. Participants included professionals working in a leadership capacity on microbicide or PrEP trials, as well as other researchers and advocates who are engaged in HIV prevention advocacy and education.  The study found that professionals working in the field of HIV are in general agreement about the importance of educating participants about pregnancy management and providing contraceptive care tom women in these clinical trials, but there was some disagreement among participants about whether or not women should be denied participation in clinical trials if they refuse to use a non-barrier contraceptive method.  These findings indicate that proactive efforts are needed to balance the safety and well being of participants and their fertility choices with the needs of clinical trials.  Additionally, there should be more opportunities for dialogue among professionals working in HIV prevention in order to share knowledge and experiences that could enhance pregnancy management and contraceptive care practices in ongoing and planned clinical HIV prevention trials.

This research was presented at the Women’s Research Initiative Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona (April 26, 2009) and at the Consultation on Family Planning and Contraception in HIV Prevention Trials in Arlington, VA (April 24, 2009).