Recruitment and ethical considerations in HIV cure trials requiring treatment interruption

Recruitment strategies in TI studies can benefit from a focus on the long-term scientific and social benefits of study participation. Strategies targeted to particular demographic groups may have little impact on accrual, and in some cases will need to be accompanied by strategies to improve the quality of researcher-community relationships. Findings also suggest that informing communities about the health impacts of trial participation may positively impact participation decisions. However, more research is needed to interpret the impact of health messaging on recruitment and therapeutic expectations. Future work should explore the implications of altruism-based expectations on the strategic and ethical appropriateness of TI study recruitment efforts.