Pool R, Green G, Hart G, Wilkinson J, Harrison S, Mbonye AK, Whitworth JA; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1998; 12: 617 (abstract no. 33130).
Medical Research Council, Entebre, Uganda.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the acceptability of female controlled methods of protection against HIV and STDs among men and women in south western Uganda. METHODS: Focus group discussions (FGDs) were held with 138 women and 42 men to investigate attitudes to the male condom and female controlled methods of protection. The female condom, foaming tablets, sponge, foam, gel and film were demonstrated. 146 women selected 2 products and were given the product of their first choice to try for 5 weeks and interviewed after 1 and 5 weeks. This was repeated for their second choice product. They then used their favourite product for a further 3 months, with follow-up interviews every month. 22 male partners were also interviewed. At the end experiences with the products were evaluated during FGDs. RESULTS: 66 women (45%) completed the trial. The main reason for non-completion was social mobility. Only 2 women dropped out because they did not like the products. Product preference after the initial demonstration but before actual use was the same as at the end of the trial. The most popular formulations were the sponge (25% of the women), foaming tablets (23%), and the female condom (19%). The foam was of medium popularity (16%). The gel (9%) and film (7%) were least popular. "Dry sex" is not popular and increased lubrication was an important determinant of acceptability. Age, level of education and location did have some effect on preference. Secrecy was a dominant theme in the FGDs and although the issue was overcome with use, female control remained an important issue: the women valued the control which the products gave them; the men remained anxious about female control, but generally accepted the products once their partners started using them. CONCLUSIONS: The products were generally well received. The sponge, foaming tablets and female condom were most popular. Acceptability and specific preferences were socially and culturally determined. Female control remained an important issue for both sexes. These factors will need to be studied in different cultural contexts before products are marketed.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Biomedical Research
- Condoms
- Condoms, Female
- Contraceptive Devices, Female
- Female
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Humans
- Male
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- Uganda
- methods
Other ID:
UI: 102229997
From Meeting Abstracts