H. Awuoche 1, G.Kiringa 1, V. Nduba 1, E. Mitchell 2 1 KEMRI/CDC Research and Public Health Collaboration 2 KNCV Dutch Tuberculosis Foundation XIX International AIDS Society Conference Walter E. Washington Convention Centre, Washington, D.C 22 nd -27 th July 2012 Cost Effectiveness of Two Transport Strategies for Retention of Young Mothers and Infants Enrolled in a TB Vaccine Trial

KEMRI/CDC Field Station, Western Kenya Boro Uranga

The Critical Role of Transport Reimbursement ‘Research participants may be reimbursed for their transport and other expenses including lost earnings associated with their participation in research’ (CIOMS guidelines 2002) Transport reimbursement caters for costs incurred by study participants when travelling for clinic visits. It is a critical tool in subject retention and motivation to continued study participation. Additionally, it increases access to health care in our settings where distance to health facilities impedes health seeking behavior, thereby reducing infant mortality

Conclusion Using ethically approved rates, there’s risk of under-compensation Despite under-compensation, retention rate was high but at a cost three times higher than directly reimbursing the participants. Limitations: there is need to conduct formative studies to understand the views of potential participants on under compensation and the effects on study endpoints and retention There is also need for continued dialogue between investigators and Ethical Committees There is room for continued education of participants on research ethics and non monetary benefits of research participation

For more information please contact: KEMRI/CDC P.O. Box 1578 Kisumu, Kenya The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Study participants - NOCHAK study Residents of the two communities Research staff team – NOCHAK study Co-authors Directors – Kenya Medical Research Institute/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Sponsor – AERAS Acknowledgement