In preparation for HIV vaccine trials, data on a cohort's knowledge about v
accines and vaccine studies are required so as to tailor educational materi
als to adequately meet local needs. Interviews (n = 1,182) conducted as par
t of a 3-year prospective study of Ugandan military men aged 18 to 30 years
determined what information, in addition to standard trials information, w
ould be required to ensure comprehension of trial procedures. The interview
s highlighted four points: (1) the cohort has a lot of knowledge about vacc
ines but conflates whether vaccines cure or prevent disease; (2) there is a
general lack of knowledge about clinical trials procedures; (3) the desire
to be protected from HIV/AIDS is a common reason for being willing to part
icipate in a hypothetical vaccine trial; and (4) concern about side effects
is a common reason for being unwilling to participate in a trial. These fo
ur points guided the focus of the vaccine trials education, which used loca
lly appropriate analogies to introduce complex unfamiliar concepts such as
placebos and blinding. This case study highlights the value of incorporatin
g baseline interviews to assess the educational needs of study populations.