Retention of (HIV-) High-Risk Women Enrolled in the HIVNET Vaccine Preparedness Study

Issues: To determine factors which correlated with 24 month follow-up among 865 women at risk for HIV enrolled in a Vaccine Preparedness Study (VPS).

Project: 865 high risk HIV (-) women were recruited in 1995 in Rhode Island, New York City, Chicago, and Philadelphia. The enrolled cohort was scheduled to be seen a minimum of two times every six months over two years. The study visits included HIV testing, pre/post test and risk reduction counseling, and assessments of knowledge and attitudes towards HIV and vaccines.

Results: At baseline, the 865 study participants (women ages 18 - 60) were 55% African American, 29% Caucasian, 12% Latina, and 3.5 % Other; 4 % were recent IVDs, 20% had a recent STD, and 31% recently had 5 or more sexual partners. Follow-up at 12 months was 86%, and at 24 months 70%. Women over the median age of 35, with a history of injection drug use or in a relationship with an IVD were significantly more likely to follow up. Race, educational level, employment, crack use or a history of an STD did not significantly effect retention rates. Those who stated altruistic reasons for entering - stop the epidemic, help find a vaccine, help the community - were no more likely to follow up.

Lessons Learned: 24 month follow up of high risk HIV (-) women in a VPS was 70%. Future efforts to retain high risk women in HIV prevention interventions may need to target younger women. IVDs, women in a relationship with an IVD and older women were more likely to follow up. Attitudes towards an HIV preventive vaccine trial, race, education, employment, or crack use did not significantly affect follow up.

Patricia Affleck
164 Summit Avenue
Providence, RI