Challenges recruiting women into trials

Abstract

IN KENYA, developing an effective AIDS vaccine is a high priority for women, because they bear the greatest burden of the disease. Yet our site at the University of Nairobi, which has been involved in four Phase I and IIII trials since 2000, is finding it difficult to recruit women: Of 106 volunteers so far, about 15% are female. Our experience with these (and other potential) volunteers, plus consultations with women's health and community groups and outside experts, have given us first-hand information on the barriers to women's participation