Microbicide Acceptability Among High-Risk Urban U.S. Women: Experiences and Perceptions of Sexually Transmitted HIV Prevention

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to measure microbicide acceptability among high-risk women in Hartford, Connecticut, and contextual factors likely to affect acceptability and use. Goal: The goal of this study was to assess usefulness of microbicides for HIV/sexually transmitted infecti...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Sexually transmitted diseases 2004-11, Vol.31 (11), p.682-690
Main Authors: WEEKS, MARGARET R., MOSACK, KATIE E., ABBOTT, MARYANN, SYLLA, LAURIE NOVICK, VALDES, BARBARA, PRINCE, MARY
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Administration, Intravaginal
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Anti-Infective Agents - administration & dosage
Biological and medical sciences
Connecticut - epidemiology
Female
General aspects
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus
Human infectious diseases. Experimental studies and models
Humans
Infectious diseases
Medical sciences
Microorganisms
Middle Aged
Patient Acceptance of Health Care
Perceptions
Prevention
Sexually transmitted diseases
Sexually Transmitted Diseases - epidemiology
Sexually Transmitted Diseases - etiology
Sexually Transmitted Diseases - prevention & control
STD
Urban areas
Urban Health
Women's Health
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Summary:Objectives: The objectives of this study were to measure microbicide acceptability among high-risk women in Hartford, Connecticut, and contextual factors likely to affect acceptability and use. Goal: The goal of this study was to assess usefulness of microbicides for HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention for highrisk women. Study: Ethnographic interviews (n = 75) and a survey (n = 471) explored women's perspectives on HIV/STI prevention, vaginal contraceptives similar to microbicides, and microbicide acceptability. Participants (n = 94) in a 2-week behavioral trial used an over-thecounter vaginal moisturizer to simulate microbicide use during sex with primary, casual, and/or paying partners. Results: Findings showed limited experience with vaginal contraceptives, but high interest in microbicides as an alternative to condoms, indicated by an acceptability index score of 2.73 (standard deviation, 0.49; scale of 1-4) in the overall sample. General microbicide acceptability varied by ethnicity, prior contraceptive and violence/ abuse experiences, relationship power, and other attitudinal factors. The simulation trial indicated significant willingness to use the product in various locations and with all types of partners. Conclusions: Vaginal microbicides may improve prevention outcomes for high-risk inner-city women.
ISSN:0148-5717
1537-4521
DOI:10.1097/01.olq.0000143113.04524.a5