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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
arts and humanities
Microbicide acceptability research: Current approaches and future directions
Social Science and Medicine, Volume 60, No. 2, Year 2005
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Description
With growing recognition of the potential value of microbicides for HIV/STI prevention, the importance of the acceptability of this brand-new technology has been widely acknowledged. We review the current body of microbicide acceptability research, characterize the limitations in assessment approaches, and suggest strategies for improvement. Electronic databases and abstracts of recent meetings were searched for acceptability data regarding vaginal and rectal products that may be used for HIV prevention. Of the 61 studies reviewed, more than half assessed acceptability based primarily on the description of a hypothetical microbicide, or with the demonstration of a spermicide or lubricant. Physical characteristics of microbicidal products, their effects after insertion, and their effects on sensation during intercourse (for both partners) were the dimensions most frequently assessed (measured in 77%, 49% and 49% of studies, respectively). Attention to the social context of use was inadequate. As acceptability is likely to be a key determinant in the use-effectiveness of microbicides, in-depth understanding of the social processes that shape microbicide acceptability across diverse populations will become increasingly valuable. This includes exploring the effects that sexual partners, health care providers, and key opinion leaders have on the acceptability of microbicides among women and men, including youth and people living with HIV. Future research will benefit from studies of the acceptability of other contraceptive-barrier methods (especially the female condom), use of an agreed-upon operationalization of acceptability, use of acceptability assessments within clinical trials, expansion of measurement domains, and assessment of changes in perceptions of acceptability and use over time. Failure to understand the key factors associated with microbicide acceptability is likely to hinder the adoption and continued use of products that are effective in preventing HIV infection. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Authors & Co-Authors
Mantell, Joanne E.
United States, New York
New York State Psychiatric Institute
United States, New York
New York Academy of Medicine
United States, New York
Hiv Ctr. Clin. Behav. Studs. new Y.
Myer, Landon
South Africa, Cape Town
Faculty of Health Sciences
Carballo-Diéguez, Alex
United States, New York
New York State Psychiatric Institute
Stein, Zena A.
United States, New York
New York State Psychiatric Institute
United States, New York
Mailman School of Public Health
Ramjee, Gita A.
South Africa, Tygerberg
South African Medical Research Council
Morar, Neetha Shagan
South Africa, Tygerberg
South African Medical Research Council
Harrison, Polly F.
United States, Silver Spring
Alliance for Microbicide Development
Statistics
Citations: 177
Authors: 7
Affiliations: 7
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1016/j.socscimed.2004.05.011
ISSN:
02779536
Research Areas
Infectious Diseases
Sexual And Reproductive Health
Study Approach
Qualitative
Participants Gender
Male
Female