title: Vaginal microbicides for HIV/STI prevention in Zimbabwe: what key informants say.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess the acceptability of vaginal microbicides as prevention methods for heterosexually transmitted HIV. Interviews were conducted with key informants in and around Harare using a semistructured questionnaire with probes. Twenty-seven interviews were conducted with a total of 48 informants. Most women were enthusiastic about the products but had concerns about safety and how the use of these products might affect their relationships with their husbands. Many men were concerned that women would be able to use the products without their consent or knowledge. Several products may be acceptable in this culture but must be introduced within the existing gender power structure. This study provides a model for involving community leaders in the design of culturally appropriate clinical trials.
authors.affiliation: Department of Integrative Systems, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing, USA.
authors.forename: Martha W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Moon
authors.forename: Gertrude N
authors.initials: GN
authors.lastname: Khumalo-Sakutukwa
authors.forename: Judith E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Heiman
authors.forename: Michael T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Mbizvo
authors.forename: Nancy S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Padian
mesh_terms: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000592:standards*; D003256:Community Participation; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011209:Power, Psychological; D012449:Safety; D012736:Sex Education; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014622:Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies / Q000592:standards*; D014933:Women's Rights; D015030:Zimbabwe
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D014622:Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies