Microbicide acceptability among high-risk urban U.S. women: experiences and perceptions of sexually transmitted HIV prevention.
OBJECTIVE
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.


OBJECTIVE
The goal of this study was to assess usefulness of microbicides for HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention for high-risk women.


METHODS
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.
Weeks
Margaret R
MR
Institute for Community Research, Hartford, Connecticut 06106, USA. mweeks@icrweb.org
Mosack
Katie E
KE
Abbott
Maryann
M
Sylla
Laurie Novick
LN
Valdes
Barbara
B
Prince
Mary
M
D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003237:Connecticut / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014504:Urban Health; D016387:Women's Health
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents