Topical microbicide use by adolescent girls: concerns about timing, efficacy, and safety.
OBJECTIVE
Adolescent girls could benefit from topical microbicide use if the product is acceptable to them.


OBJECTIVE
The goal was to evaluate girls', mothers', experienced healthcare providers', and medical students' views on timing of use, efficacy, and safety of topical microbicide use by adolescents.


METHODS
Focus groups were conducted with girls, mothers, healthcare providers, and medical students. All groups were videotaped, transcribed, and coded for relevant themes.


RESULTS
A delay between insertion and coitus presented a problem, and pre- and postcoital use had advantages depending on the group. Efficacy was evaluated by timing of use, smell, ability to feel the product, and confidence that it would spread sufficiently. There were concerns about physical side effects and the impact on normal vaginal flora.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrated the importance of understanding the unique needs and perspectives of adolescent girls and the adults who have an influence on their use.
Short
Mary B
MB
Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas 77555-0319, USA.
Mills
Lisa
L
Majkowski
Jasmine M
JM
Stanberry
Lawrence R
LR
Rosenthal
Susan L
SL
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D016497:Adolescent Health Services; D000328:Adult; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001290:Attitude; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009035:Mothers; D009820:Ohio; D010820:Physicians; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013337:Students, Medical; D014743:Videotape Recording
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents