Evidence-based planning of a randomized controlled trial on diaphragm use for prevention of sexually transmitted infections.
OBJECTIVE
We conducted formative research to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of continuous diaphragm use among low-income women highly exposed to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Madagascar.


OBJECTIVE
To identify potential obstacles to researching the effectiveness of diaphragm use for STI prevention in a randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
Mixed methods to collect complex information. In a quantitative pilot study, women were asked to use diaphragms continuously (removing once daily for cleaning) for 8 weeks and promote consistent male condom use; they were interviewed and examined clinically during follow-up. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted pre-/postpilot study. Audiotaped FGDs were transcribed, translated, coded, and analyzed.


RESULTS
Ninety-three women participated in prepilot FGDs, 91 in the pilot study, and 82 in postpilot FGDs. Diaphragm use was acceptable and feasible, but participants reported lower condom use in FGDs than during interviews. Most participants reported in interviews that they used their diaphragms continuously, but FGDs revealed that extensive intravaginal hygiene practices may impede effective continuous diaphragm use. Despite counseling by study staff, FGDs revealed that participants believed the diaphragm provided effective protection against STIs and pregnancy.


CONCLUSIONS
Mixed methods formative research generated information that the prospective pilot study alone could not provide and revealed contradictory findings. Results have methodological and ethical implications that affect trial design including provision of free hormonal contraceptives, and additional instructions for vaginal hygiene to avoid displacing the diaphragm. Mixed methods formative research should be encouraged to promote evidence-based study design and implementation.
Behets
Frieda M T F
FM
Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA. frieda_behets@unc.edu
Van Damme
Kathleen
K
Turner
Abigail Norris
AN
Rabenja
Ny Lovaniaina
NL
Ravelomanana
Noro L R
NL
Raharinivo
Mbolatiana S M
MS
Zeller
Kimberly A
KA
Rennie
Stuart M
SM
Swezey
Teri A
TA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003274:Contraceptive Devices, Female / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D008270:Madagascar; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011203:Poverty; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016387:Women's Health