Stated-preference research in HIV: A scoping review

Area of Science:

• Health Economics
• Social Sciences
• Public Health

Background:

• Quantitative preference methods like Discrete Choice Experiments (DCE), Conjoint Analysis (CA), and Best-Worst Scaling (BWS) are vital in healthcare research.
• However, their application in HIV research remains underexplored, necessitating a comprehensive overview.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically map the scope and nature of published DCE, CA, and BWS studies within the HIV research field.
• To identify priority areas for future stated-preference research in HIV.

Main Methods:

• A systematic scoping review of online databases was conducted to identify relevant HIV-related DCE, CA, and BWS studies.
• 1,496 citations were screened, resulting in the inclusion of 57 studies published between 2000 and 2017 across 26 countries.

Main Results:

• Published studies on preference methods in HIV research have increased over time, covering prevention, testing, service delivery, and antiretroviral therapy.
• Discrete Choice Experiments (DCE) were most common (63%), followed by Conjoint Analysis (CA) (37%). Best-Worst Scaling (BWS) was least common (4%).
• A significant gap exists in research conducted in sub-Saharan Africa (30%) and studies focusing on key populations such as men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, pregnant women, adolescents, and people who inject drugs.

Conclusions:

• Stated-preference methods are increasingly utilized in HIV research, offering valuable insights into consumer preferences.
• Future research should prioritize underrepresented key populations and regions with a high HIV burden, particularly sub-Saharan Africa.
• This review provides a foundation for researchers, policymakers, and health economists to leverage stated-preference methods for improved HIV interventions.