Willingness to Participate in HIV Cure Research Among Young People Living with Perinatally Acquired HIV in the Centre Region of Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Abstract
Young people living with perinatally acquired HIV (YPLHIV) represent a unique population for HIV cure research, offering opportunities to assess interventions in a group for whom adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) is particularly challenging. Understanding their perspectives about participating in HIV cure research could inform the design of future YPLHIV-centered study protocols. In this cross-sectional study, we assessed awareness and willingness to engage in HIV cure research among YPLHIV in Cameroon from February to April 2025. A questionnaire was administered to 157 YPLHIV [50.7% male; median (interquartile range) age: 18(16–20) years]; 83.6% were attending secondary school, and 9.6% were living in rural settings with 145 (92.3%) full respondents. The majority (63.0%) were aware that HIV cure research is being conducted (3.3% of them from rural vs. 96.7% from urban settings, p = .093); with awareness higher among secondary-school students (94.6%; p = .029), and those having internet access (77.2% vs. 21.7% for others; p = .032). The understanding of HIV “cure” included: “no more treatment needed” (31.2%), “elimination of the virus” (16.0%), and “no longer having the disease” (7.6%). Almost 90% were apparently willing to participate in cure research across sex, educational level, adherence, and geographical settings, with 44/145 (30.3%) reporting at least one concern about participation, such as “collection of many samples” (10/145; 6.90%). The main motivation to participate was the “possibilities of finding a cure” (28.7%). While over 60% were aware of ongoing HIV cure research, efforts to improve awareness are needed in rural settings. Identifying challenges perceived by YPLHIV offers a guide for developing tailored communication and support. The high presumed willingness of YPLHIV to participate in HIV cure research offers promise for implementation in Cameroon and similar settings across Africa, where YPLHIV need alternatives to daily ART. However, further research into informed willingness and actual real-world clinical trial participation will be essential to determine overall feasibility and implementation success.
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Authors: Aude Christelle Ka’e, Yagai Bouba, Rita Ekwoge, Ali Ahmed, Lum Forgwei, Tatiana Tekoh, Cynthia Ayafor, Laurel Tchamda, Sonia Teneneg Nek, Forgu Esemu Livo, Naomi-Karell Etame, Suzie Tetang, Catherine Eyenga, Alex Durand Nka, Annie Carole Nga Motaze, Francois Ateba, Ezéchiel Ngoufack Jagni Semengue, Collins Ambe Chenwi, Aubin Nanfack, Céline Nkenfou, Illiassou Mfochive, Marcel Tongo, Maria Mercedes Santoro, Francesca Ceccherini‐Silberstein, Gianluca Russo, Alexis Ndjolo, Carlo-Federico Perno, Caroline T. Tiemessen, Krista L. Dong, Deborah Persaud, Thumbi Ndung’u, Jessica Salzwedel, Stefano D’amelio, Karine Dubé, Joseph Fokam
Institutions: University of Pennsylvania, University of California San Diego, Johns Hopkins University, University College London, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Université de Yaoundé I, Sapienza University of Rome, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Africa Health Research Institute, University of Rome Tor Vergata, National Health Laboratory Service, Yaoundé Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Institute of Infection and Immunity, Mass General Brigham, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Ministry of Public Health, University Teaching Hospital of Yaounde, Centre International De Reference Chantal Biya, AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition