AIDSImpact.com:: - Santa Fe, USA 2011

Abstract #88 - Community consultation about an ANRS intermittent PrEP trial for MSM in France- methods, process and results.
Authors: Presenting Author: Mr. François Berdougo - Groupe interassociatif TRT-5
Additional Authors: Mr. Hugues Fischer, Mr. Emmanuel Cook, Mrs. Sandrine Fournier, Mr. Vincent Douris, Mr. Stephen Karon, Mrs. Emilie Henry, Mr. Hervé Baudoin, Mr. Antonio Alexandre, Mr. Yann Mazens,
Aim: In France, incidence of HIV infection among HIV-negative MSM is 1 % p.a. In 2011, an ANRS sponsored study begins in France and in Montréal CAN., evaluating efficacy of an ARV-based prevention strategy (intermittent tenofovir-emtricitabine) to reduce seroincidence. The French HIV Community Advisory Board, TRT-5, is involved in trial elaboration. We hypothesized we could consult HIV-negative MSM throughout France, collecting comments and opinions about the trial thus informing TRT-5’s contribution to its development.
Method / Issue: We proceeded via a network of HIV/AIDS and gay/LGBT organizations in the main cities in France. Gay individuals and local HIV and gay community-based organizations were invited to information meetings/debates. Consultation was also conducted using LGBT web-based media. Opinions of participants were collected, synthesized and thematically analysed by a TRT-5 committee.
Results / Comments: 14 meetings occurred in 10 large cities. More than 400 individuals were consulted, mostly gay men. Among those with known affiliation (n=188), 41 % came from HIV/AIDS organisations, 23 % from gay/LGBT organizations and 20 % had no affiliation. About 70 people contributed via the net. Topics often discussed were: prevention among MSM, ARV-based prevention, combined prevention, PrEP impact on preventive behaviour, trial participants’ safety, and community participation in trial preparation and implementation. While some difficulty mobilizing gay/LGBT organizations was observed, reaching individuals was more difficult. Conscious of a reconfiguration in the tools of prevention, participants’ contributions gave meaningful overview to their perceptions about ARVs in prevention, linking PrEP to other tools and essential issues in trial implementation.
Discussion: This was the 1st experience of its kind undertaken in France concerning a biomedical prevention trial. The process should be relevant and applicable to future trials. The consultation did not entirely succeed in attracting broad participation by individual HIV-negative MSM at high-risk. Data represents more the views of people in community organizations. The process provided organisations with a framework for learning and exchange about a subject in which they expressed keen interest and a need for information. Their opinions frame the context, partially informing us about trial feasibility / acceptability.
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