Title: Acceptability of a microbicide among women and their partners in a 4-country phase I trial.

POPLINE Document Number: 194571

Author(s):

Bentley ME
Fullem AM
Tolley EE
Kelly CW
Jogelkar N

Source citation:

American Journal of Public Health, 2004 Jul 1;94(7):1159-1164.

Abstract:

We analyzed qualitative and quantitative data for 98 HIV-negative, low-risk women in Malawi, Zimbabwe, India, and Thailand who participated in a safety and acceptability study of BufferGel, a vaginal microbicide to determine the across-country acceptability of vaginal microbicides among women and their partners. Quantitative survey data were collected at 7 and 14 days after use among enrolled women, and exit interviews were conducted with women and their partners in separate focus group discussions. Acceptability was high in all sites (73% of women approved of the microbicide). Women in Africa, where HIV infection rates are highest, were virtually unanimous in their desire for such a product, suggesting that an individual’s perception of being at risk for HIV will outweigh concerns about side effects, problems applying a product, or other factors, when products are shown to be efficacious. But men and women reported that use, which was kept secret from an intimate partner, would be difficult and might “break the trust” of a relationship. Acceptability research across diverse settings through all stages of microbicide research, development, and postlicensure dissemination can help maximize acceptability and use. (author's)

Keywords:

Malawi
Zimbabwe
India
Thailand
Research Report
Clinical Trials
Women
Couples
Microbicides
HIV Prevention
Perception
Partner Communication
Africa, Southern
Africa, Sub Saharan
Africa
Developing Countries
Asia, Southern
Asia
Asia, Southeastern
Clinical Research
Research Methodology
Demographic Factors
Population
Family Characteristics
Family and Household
Drugs
Treatment
HIV Infections
Viral Diseases
Diseases
Psychological Factors
Behavior
Interpersonal Relations