title: "Set it and forget it": women's perceptions and opinions of long-acting topical vaginal gels.
abstract: Women's initial understandings and anticipated acceptability of long-acting vaginal gels as potential anti-HIV microbicides was investigated by exploring the perceptibility variables associated with prototype formulations. Four focus groups with 29 women, aged 18-45, were conducted to consider gel prototypes with varied physicochemical and rheological properties. Participants responded favorably to the concept of long-acting vaginal gels as microbicides. Distinctions in understandings and stated needs regarding product dosing, characteristics, and effectiveness offer valuable insights into product design. Long-acting vaginal gels capable of protecting against HIV/STIs will be a viable option among potential users, with dosing frequency being an important factor in willingness to use.
authors.affiliation: Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, USA, jacob_vandenberg@brown.edu.
authors.forename: Jacob J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: van den Berg
authors.forename: Rochelle K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Rosen
authors.forename: Dana E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Bregman
authors.forename: Lara A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: Kathleen M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Jensen
authors.forename: Patrick F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Kiser
authors.forename: David F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Katz
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Buckheit
authors.forename: Robert W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Buckheit
authors.forename: Kathleen M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Morrow
mesh_terms: D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D010465:Perception; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013997:Time Factors; D014622:Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D014622:Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies