Evaluation of behavioral and social issues among Thai HIV vaccine trial volunteers

Behavioral and social issues were investigated in phase I/II preventive HIV vaccine trial volunteers in Thailand. These included risk behavior, HIV knowledge, distress, and social experiences associated with trial participation. Data were collected at baseline and at 4- and 8-month follow-up visits. Volunteers reported relatively low levels of risk behaviors at baseline and at the follow-up visits. About one fifth reported overtly negative reactions from family or friends. No problems with discrimination in employment, health care, or insurance were reported. Findings add to the evidence suggesting the feasibility of phase I/II prophylactic HIV vaccine trials with low-risk volunteers in Thailand.