title: Acceptability in microbicide and PrEP trials:  current status and a reconceptualization.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Assessment of acceptability is a central component of most oral PrEP and microbicide trials. In this paper we review current definitions and frameworks employed in acceptability research, discuss findings from recent studies of product acceptability and summarize trends in acceptability research. We conclude by offering a new framework for investigating product acceptability within clinical trials, one which considers product acceptability to be conceptually distinct from adherence.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although numerous studies have investigated product acceptability, a consensus is lacking regarding the definition and operationalization of the concept. In addition fewer than half of the studies reviewed investigated actual candidate products. To the extent that an overall measure of acceptability is considered, the consensus is that most participants find the products acceptable. However, it is the rare study that investigates whether product adherence is associated with acceptability.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Given that adherence is critical to the success of clinical trials, it is important to identify the extent to which acceptability is a factor in product usage and to ascertain which dimensions of acceptability - product attributes, dosing regimen, delivery mechanism, use attributes, partner's attitudes, effect of product on the sexual encounter, product-related norms - if any, affect adherence.
authors.affiliation: Population Council USA, New York, NY, USA. bmensch@popcouncil.org
authors.forename: Barbara S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Mensch
authors.forename: Ariane
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: van der Straten
authors.forename: Lauren L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Katzen
mesh_terms: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018890:Chemoprevention / Q000379:methods*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D055118:Medication Adherence; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents