Community Engagement Strategy for Building Trust in Human Challenge Studies Using Participatory and Creative Methods:...

Area of Science:

• Infectious Disease Research
• Public Health Communication
• Bioethics

Background:

• Human Infection Challenge Studies (HICs) are vital for disease research and medical advancement.
• Ensuring community understanding and informed consent for HICs is critical for ethical conduct.
• Previous studies highlighted a need for better communication regarding HIC requirements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop effective communication strategies for informed consent in Human Challenge Studies (HCS).
• To explore community perspectives and engagement methods for HIC participation.
• To build trust and understanding of HCS within diverse populations.

Main Methods:

• Iterative participatory discovery and creative design workshops with students and community leaders.
• Deliberative focus groups and workshops to discuss communication strategies for HICs.
• Development of a creative brief for a mass-media campaign based on community feedback.

Main Results:

• A pyramid approach using community structures was suggested for progressive HIC concept introduction.
• Engagement strategies included theatre, dialogue, meetings, and mass media advertisements.
• The term 'Human Challenge Studies' was preferred over 'Human Infection Challenge Studies' for clarity.

Conclusions:

• Effective community engagement fosters research ownership and improves understanding of HCS.
• Tailored communication strategies are essential for informed consent and trustworthy data in HCS.
• Further research is needed in rural areas and pilot testing of evaluation strategies for broader HIC implementation.