The recruitment and retention of high risk youth in HIV/AIDS clinical trials in post-conflict Liberia

There are significant international efforts to reach high risk urban youths with effective HIV/AIDS prevention programs. However, such efforts have been hampered by challenges associated with the recruitment and retention of high risk urban youths in post-conflict environments. In this presentation, we provide recommendations for effective program implementation in Sub-Saharan Africa.

We conducted a community-based randomized controlled trial (RCT) of an HIV prevention program to that of a comparison health program among 709 high risk urban youths in Monrovia, Liberia. Recruitment and recruitment strategies were based on community norms and cultural acceptance, and further driven by the inputs of the targeted population.

Of 709 participants recruited into the RCT, we successfully retained 98% after one month, 94% after 3 months, and 95% after 6 months, respectively. We expect to retain about 94% after 12 months.

Community-based participatory-driven research method is an important strategy to promote, support and sustain the recruitment and retention of high risk populations in post-conflict environments.