Microbicide acceptability among high-risk urban U.S. women: experiences and perceptions of sexually transmitted HIV prevention. Sex Transm Dis 2004 Nov;31(11):682-90
Date
10/27/2004Pubmed ID
15502677Pubmed Central ID
PMC1567977DOI
10.1097/01.olq.0000143113.04524.a5Scopus ID
2-s2.0-7044247335 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 50 CitationsAbstract
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 high-risk 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-the-counter 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.
Author List
Weeks MR, Mosack KE, Abbott M, Sylla LN, Valdes B, Prince MAuthor
Katie Mosack PhD Associate Professor in the Psychology department at University of Wisconsin - MilwaukeeMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Administration, IntravaginalAdolescent
Adult
Aged
Anti-Infective Agents
Connecticut
Female
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Middle Aged
Patient Acceptance of Health Care
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Urban Health
Women's Health