Applying the Behavioural and Social Sciences Research (BSSR) Functional Framework to HIV Cure Research

Area of Science:

• Social and behavioral sciences
• HIV research
• Public health

Background:

• Biomedical research alone is insufficient for developing an HIV cure.
• Behavioral and social sciences research (BSSR) offers critical insights into the human and social dimensions of HIV cure.
• The full potential of BSSR in HIV cure research remains largely untapped.

Purpose of the Study:

• To apply Gaist and Stirratt's BSSR Functional Framework to the field of HIV cure research.
• To clarify the importance of BSSR in advancing HIV cure strategies.
• To identify opportunities for integrating BSSR across all stages of HIV cure research.

Main Methods:

• The study revisits and applies the BSSR Functional Framework, which comprises four key research domains: basic, elemental, supportive, and integrative BSSR.
• The framework is used to analyze various aspects of HIV cure research, including communication, identity, psychosocial support, risk reduction, participant motivation, provider perceptions, social harms, and scalability.
• The application of the framework is discussed in the context of analytical treatment interruptions (ATIs).

Main Results:

• BSSR is essential for understanding how factors like language, identity, and social position influence the meaning and acceptance of an HIV cure.
• Psychosocial support, risk reduction strategies, and participant decision-making are critical considerations for clinical trials involving ATIs.
• Provider attitudes and potential social harms must be addressed to ensure the ethical and effective implementation of HIV cure strategies.

Conclusions:

• Integrating BSSR with biomedical approaches is vital for translating HIV cure regimens into real-world applications.
• The BSSR Functional Framework provides a roadmap for a multi-disciplinary approach to HIV cure research.
• Addressing the socio-behavioral elements of HIV cure research will enhance its translational pathway and ensure the scalability of successful strategies.