title: Acceptability of the Nestorone®/ethinyl estradiol contraceptive vaginal ring: development of a model; implications for introduction.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Develop and test a theoretical acceptability model for the Nestorone®/ethinyl estradiol contraceptive vaginal ring (CVR); explore whether domains of use within the model predict satisfaction, method adherence and CVR continuation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four domains of use were considered relative to outcome markers of acceptability, that is, method satisfaction, adherence and continuation. A questionnaire to evaluate subjects' experiences relative to the domains, their satisfaction (Likert scale) and adherence to instructions for use was developed and administered to 1036 women enrolled in a 13-cycle Phase 3 trial. Method continuation was documented from the trial database. Stepwise logistic regression (LR) analysis was conducted and odds ratios (ORs) calculated to assess associations of satisfaction with questions from the four domains. Fisher's Exact Test was used to determine the association of satisfaction with outcome measures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A final acceptability model was developed based on the following determinants of CVR satisfaction: ease of use, side effects, expulsions/feeling the CVR and sexual activity including physical effects during intercourse. Satisfaction was high (89%) and related to higher method adherence [OR, 2.6 (1.3, 5.2)] and continuation [OR, 5.5 (3.5, 8.4)]. According to the LR analysis, attributes of CVR use representing items from the four domains - finding it easy to remove, not complaining of side effects, not feeling the CVR while wearing it and experiencing no change or an increase in sexual pleasure and/or frequency - were associated with higher odds of satisfaction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Hypothesized domains of CVR use were related to satisfaction, which was associated with adherence and continuation. Results provide a scientific basis for introduction and future research.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Acceptability research is important when introducing a new method of contraception and determining whether it can be a successful option in meeting the reproductive health needs of women and men. This study was designed to test a conceptual model of acceptability and identify factors associated with successful use of a new contraceptive delivery modality. Original research was conducted for this publication.
authors.affiliation: Population Council, New York, NY, 10065, USA. Electronic address: rmerkatz@popcouncil.org.
authors.forename: Ruth B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Merkatz
authors.affiliation: Population Council, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
authors.forename: Marlena
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Plagianos
authors.affiliation: Population Council, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hoskin
authors.affiliation: Population Council, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cooney
authors.affiliation: Population Council, Zambia.
authors.forename: Paul C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Hewett
authors.affiliation: Population Council, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
authors.forename: Barbara S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Mensch
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003274:Contraceptive Devices, Female; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009653:Norprogesterones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D009653:Norprogesterones; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol; C029167:ST 1435
keywords: Acceptability model; Hormonal contraception; Long-acting delivery system; Method introduction; Vaginal ring