Guidance Documents


Recommended Approach to Data Collection: The Two-Step Method, March 2020, modified from recommendation, April 2015

The use of the two-step method is considered “best practice” for obtaining data on a person’s current gender identity and sex assigned at birth. This guidance is based on the original memorandum that was sent DAIDS and network leadership in April 2015. It has been modified based on additional information garnered by the CNTWG since that time. 


Guidance on the Use of Gender-Inclusive HIV Research Practices: Protocol Design, Data Collection, and Data Reporting, November 19, 2019 (updated April 2020) 

Although a comprehensive, five-part training curriculum has been developed, the CNTWG felt that additional guidance would be valuable in helping DAIDS and the NIH-funded HIV/AIDS clinical trials networks implement gender-inclusive practices. 

This guidance highlights a number of different practices that can facilitate inclusiveness, with an emphasis on areas that will help yield greater scientific accuracy as well as a welcoming research environment, such as protocol design, data collection, data reporting across the networks, as well as the use of non-stigmatizing language, and provides needed context and direction to support these efforts. 


NIAID Language Guide 

The NIAID Language Guide was developed to help encourage the use on non-stigmatizing language among NIAID staff.  While the document is primarily intended for internal use, we recognize that it may benefit others throughout the HIV research enterprise. The English version is linked above, but the Guide is also offered in multiple other languages, including: French, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, and Thai.