Murphy, D. A., Hoffman, D., Seage III, G. R., Belzer, M., Xu, J., Durako, S. J. et al. (2007). Improving comprehension for HIV vaccine trial information among adolescents at risk of HIV. AIDS Care, 19(1), 42-51.

Murphy, D. ;Hoffman, D.;Seage, G. ;Belzer, M.; Xu, J.; Durako, S.; Geiger, M.

2007

Murphy, D. A., Hoffman, D., Seage III, G. R., Belzer, M., Xu, J., Durako, S. J. et al. (2007). Improving comprehension for HIV vaccine trial information among adolescents at risk of HIV. AIDS Care, 19(1), 42-51.

A simplified version of the HIVNET prototype HIV vaccine process was developed for adolescents at risk of HIV by: (1) reducing reading level; (2) reorganizing; (3) adding illustrations; and (4) obtaining focus group feedback. Then adolescents (N=187) in three cities were randomly assigned to the standard or simplified version. Adolescents receiving the simplified version had significantly higher comprehension scores (80% correct vs. 72% correct), with 37% of items significantly more likely to be answered correctly. They were also significantly more likely to recall study benefits and procedures. Overall, adolescents were less willing to participate in a potential HIV vaccine trial after presentation than prior to presentation. The present study indicates that it would be feasible for adolescents to participate in a vaccine trial, as simplification of vaccine information, combined with illustrations to depict key concepts, resulted in improved scores for adolescents on the comprehension and recall test.

Adolescents in the simplified condition scored significantly higher on 37% of the items.

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