AEGiS-13IAC: MSM attitudes and behavioral intentions about using a potiental microbicide during anal sex.

13th International AIDS Conference

Durban, South Africa - July 9-July 14, 2000

MSM attitudes and behavioral intentions about using a potiental microbicide during anal sex.

Int Conf AIDS 2000 Jul 9-14; 13:(abstract no. ThOrC664)

Mansergh G, Marks G, Crepaz N, Murphy S, Miller L, Appleby PR
G. Mansergh, CDC, DHAP Epidemiology, 1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop E45, Atlanta, GA 30333, United States, Tel.: +1 404 639 6135, Fax: +1 404 639 6118, E-mail: gcm2@cdc.gov

BACKGROUND: HIV infection in men who have sex with men (MSM) continues to occur in many countries throughout the world. Development of an effective topical microbicide for anal intercourse in men could dramatically reduce incidence of infections. The present study examines preferences and intentions to use a potential microbicide during anal sex in MSM.

METHODS: MSM who had anal intercourse in the past 12 months were recruited on streets of West Hollywood, California, to complete a self-administered survey. Of the 385 participants, 29% were Hispanic, 24% were African-American, and 47% were white. 26% of the men were 18-24 years old, 35% were 25-30, and 39% were over 30. Participants read a description of a potential rectal microbicide gel and reported their preferences for efficacy level and intent to use the product.

RESULTS: Participants, on average, wanted a microbicide gel that was 84% effective in preventing HIV infection before they would use it without a condom during anal intercourse. More than half of the men (53%) wanted the product to be at least 95% effective. In multivariate analysis, intent to use the gel without a condom was associated with negative attitudes toward condoms, high levels of unprotected anal intercourse in the previous 12 months, and a higher requirement for product efficacy. Among participants who had consistently used condoms, 37% preferred to use a potential microbicide product instead of a condom in the future (85% of these men wanted the gel to be as effective as a condom before they would use it alone).

CONCLUSIONS: Given that consistent condom use may be difficult to achieve and sustain, potential for using a microbicide product and, in turn, reducing HIV incidence is promising even for a product with lower efficacy than a condom. MSM throughout the world could greatly benefit from a topical microbicide that is effective during anal sex.

Keywords: AEGIS, Sex Behavior, Condoms, Safe Sex, Anti-Infective Agents, Attitude, HIV Infections, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Incidence, Condoms, Female, Hispanic Americans, HIV Seropositivity, California, Human, Male, utilization
000709
ThOrC664