title: Preferred Physical Characteristics of Vaginal Film Microbicides for HIV Prevention in Pittsburgh Women.
abstract: Unprotected heterosexual intercourse is the leading cause of HIV acquisition in women. Due to the complex nature of correct and consistent condom use by both men and women, developing alternative female-controlled HIV prevention options is a global health priority. Vaginal films containing antiretroviral drugs are a potential delivery system for the prevention of HIV acquisition through sexual contact. In this study, we explored women's preferences regarding physical characteristics of microbicide vaginal films through questionnaires and focus groups. Eighty-four sexually active, ethnically diverse women 18-30 years of age from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, participated in the study. Women visually and manually examined a variety of vaginal films, as well as three other vaginal products undergoing evaluation for HIV prevention: tablet, ring, and gel. Means and standard deviations or frequencies and 95 % confidence intervals were calculated for questionnaire data. Focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded for content analysis. Women most frequently preferred vaginal films to be smooth and thin (63 %), translucent (48 %), and 2″ × 2″ square size (36 %). Driving these preferences were five major themes: ease and accuracy of use, desire for efficacy, discretion, intravaginal comfort and minimal impact, and minimizing disruption of sexual mood/activities. Women's preferences for various microbicide vaginal film physical attributes represented a balance of multiple values. In general, women desired a comfortable, efficacious, easy to use, and minimally intrusive product.
authors: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
authors: Maria D
authors: MD
authors: Fan
authors: Magee-Womens Research Institute, 204 Craft Avenue, Room B509, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
authors: Lindsay F
authors: LF
authors: Kramzer
authors: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.|Magee-Womens Research Institute, 204 Craft Avenue, Room B509, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
authors: Sharon L
authors: SL
authors: Hillier
authors: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.|Magee-Womens Research Institute, 204 Craft Avenue, Room B509, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
authors: Judy C
authors: JC
authors: Chang
authors: Magee-Womens Research Institute, 204 Craft Avenue, Room B509, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
authors: Leslie A
authors: LA
authors: Meyn
authors: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. rohanlc@upmc.edu.|Magee-Womens Research Institute, 204 Craft Avenue, Room B509, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA. rohanlc@upmc.edu.|Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. rohanlc@upmc.edu.
authors: Lisa C
authors: LC
authors: Rohan
mesh_terms: D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D057240:Patient Preference / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010414:Pennsylvania; D014622:Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D014622:Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies
keywords: HIV prevention; Microbicide acceptability; Vaginal film; Women