The dapivirine vaginal ring from the perspective of married men in Uganda

Background: Men play a key role in influencing uptake of women's health products, such as female condoms and vaginal microbicides used for family planning and HIV prevention. Method: We explored men's perceptions of the dapivirine vaginal ring (DVR), a vaginal microbicide, in Kalungu Distr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:African journal of AIDS research : AJAR 2021-03, Vol.20 (1), p.53-60
Main Authors: Kabarambi, Anita, Kusemererwa, Sylvia, Krogstad, Emily, Mayaud, Philippe, Seeley, Janet, Mugisha, Joseph, Gafos, Mitzy
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Africa
AIDS/HIV
Condoms
decision-making
Digital video recorders
Disease prevention
Ecological studies
Family planning
Female condoms
Female roles
Health services
HIV
HIV prevention
Human immunodeficiency virus
Husbands
Men
microbicide ring
Misconceptions
Perceptions
Prevention
Prevention programs
Preventive medicine
Safe sexual practices
socio-ecological framework
Uptake
Vagina
Women
Womens health
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Summary:Background: Men play a key role in influencing uptake of women's health products, such as female condoms and vaginal microbicides used for family planning and HIV prevention. Method: We explored men's perceptions of the dapivirine vaginal ring (DVR), a vaginal microbicide, in Kalungu District, rural south-western Uganda. In June/July 2018, we conducted in-depth interviews with 10 partners of women participating in the DREAM study, a phase 3B open-label extension trial of the DVR. Data were analysed thematically, drawing on the socio-ecological model theoretical framework. Results: Influencing factors such as individual and interpersonal characteristics, perception of HIV risk, lack of knowledge about the DVR, misconceptions, and product characteristics acting at different levels (individual, societal and organisational) affected men's knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards the DVR, which in turn impacted on their willingness to allow their partners to use it. Above all, men wanted to be involved in the decision- making process about the use of the DVR. All the men were happy that there was a new HIV prevention option in the pipeline and were not concerned about the degree of effectiveness, saying it was better than nothing. Conclusion: The use of the DVR in an environment where men expect to make decisions about sex on behalf of women may affect its usage and success. Given this context, women may not always be able to independently choose to use it. If the DVR is approved and rolled out, increased sensitisation of men about it will be critical to ensure its uptake.
ISSN:1608-5906
1727-9445
DOI:10.2989/16085906.2020.1866043