Video to help inform PrEPVacc participants posted online

The PrEPVacc study has published online the video that it has used during its recruitment, enrolment and retention phases to inform participants and potential participants about the study and to answer their common questions.

The 13-minute animated video features an encounter between a man, John, who is interested in the PrEPVacc study and Jane, a community neighbour who explains what it is about and what participation would involve.

The video version of the Participant Information Sheet covers the information in the printed sheet but in an animated format. It is also available in Luganda, IsiZulu and KiSwahili language versions.

The video was created in 2021 after potential participants experienced difficulties understanding the material in PrEPVacc’s Participant Information Sheet that explains the research study procedures.

To address this challenge the study team proposed that the common questions and most complex topics in the PIS were broken down, answered and explained in a short animated video.

Whenever the video is shown, a member of staff follows up with the audience and asks if they have feedback or further questions.

The video concept and script were developed by the communications and community engagement specialists from each of PrEPVacc's sites working together within the PrEPVacc Communicators Network. The video itself was produced by FEZ Media, an independent video production company in Kampala, Uganda.

As well as an English version, the video has also been translated, captioned and dubbed into Luganda, IsiZulu and KiSwahili language versions and each version has received relevant local ethics committee approval. Imperial College Research Ethics Committee has also given approval for its use.