The practice of pilot/feasibility studies in informing the conduct of HIV related clinical trials in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review

Sylivia Nalubega, Lawrence Obado Osuwat, Brenda Agyeiwaa Poku, Catrin Evans, John Bosco Junior Matovu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Introduction: Pilot/feasibility studies represent a fundamental phase of the research process and play a vital role in the preliminary planning of a full-size HIV clinical trial. Published HIV clinical trial protocols were reviewed to establish the extent to which the proposed HIV clinical trials are informed by a prior pilot/feasibility study.

Methods: The JBI methodology for scoping reviews was followed. Six databases were systematically searched to identify articles for inclusion.

Results: Thirty-two (32) published HIV study protocols were included. Articles were in the English language and were published in the past 10 years (2011-2020). The review results showed that the majority of HIV-related clinical trials in sub-Saharan Africa were not informed by pilot/feasibility studies. The results further indicated that the number of HIV clinical trials informed by a pilot/feasibility study have been on the increase in the 8 years’ period since 2012, a trend that indicates positive uptake of pilot studies in HIV related studies. A few select countries (South Africa, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Kenya) comprised more than 70% of all clinical trials that were informed by a pilot/feasibility study, conducted in sub–Saharan Africa.

Conclusions: Although there is an increasing interest among researchers to integrate pilot/feasibility studies in HIV related research, limited countries in sub-Saharan Africa appear to have embraced this trend. Strategies that can motivate researchers to engage in a culture of incorporating pilot/feasibility studies in HIV related research should be implemented.

Keywords: pilot studies, feasibility studies, HIV/AIDS, clinical trials, sub-Saharan Africa, scoping review
Original languageEnglish
JournalContemporary Clinical Trials Communications
Publication statusAccepted/In press - 27 Jun 2022

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