Informed Consent: Research Staff's Perspectives and Practical Recommendations to Improve Research Staff-Participant Communication

Informed consent (IC) is the process of communication between research staff and potential research participants. However, ensuring that participants clearly understand what research participation entails, raises significant challenges. The aim of this study is to provide insight into some communication barriers that research staff are confronted with and make practical recommendations to improve communication between research staff and participants. A qualitative research study using semi-structured interviews (n = 13) with research staff from Ghent University Hospital was conducted. Data were transcribed verbatim and coded thematically. Our results indicate that communication- and process-related factors affect the IC process. Emergent recommendations include communication training, more interactive information materials and the use of digital alternatives, increasing general knowledge about research participation and patient- and public involvement.

A Milestone for South African Psychology

This issue of the South African Journal of Psychology (SAJP) focuses on health psychology. In addition to a special contribution from one of the world's leading health psychologists, it represents the efforts of a variety of South African behavioural scientists in addressing theoretical and empirical aspects of this emerging sub-discipline of psychology. Covering issues that include adherence to medication and behavioural regimens among patients with chronic illnesses, the behavioural and ethical aspects of HIV vaccine trial enrolment, and stress, coping, and adjustment among medical patients, the articles showcase research projects located at the interface of psychology and health. The aim of this edition of SAJP is to call attention to the potential contribution of psychology to health and health care. It is hoped that it has succeeded in achieving this aim.

Predicting hypothetical willingness to participate (WTP) in a future phase III HIV vaccine trial among high-risk adolescents

The present study sought to determine whether the Theory of Planned Behaviour predicted stated hypothetical willingness to participate (WTP) in future Phase III HIV vaccine trials among South African adolescents. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses showed that The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) significantly predicted WTP. Of all the predictors, Subjective norms significantly predicted WTP (OR = 1.19, 95% C.I. = 1.06-1.34). A stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that Subjective Norms (OR = 1.19, 95% C.I. = 1.07-1.34) and Attitude towards participation in an HIV vaccine trial (OR = 1.32, 95% C.I. = 1.00-1.74) were significant predictors of WTP. The addition of Knowledge of HIV vaccines and HIV vaccine trials, Perceived self-risk of HIV infection, Health-promoting behaviours and Attitudes towards HIV/AIDS yielded non-significant results. These findings provide support for the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) and suggest that psychosocial factors may play an important role in WTP in Phase III HIV vaccine trials among adolescents.