AEGiS-15IAC: What men in Botswana say about vaginal HIV microbicides: Report from qualitative and quantitative studies.

15th International AIDS Conference


Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

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What men in Botswana say about vaginal HIV microbicides: Report from qualitative and quantitative studies.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. ThOrC1375)

Smith DK, Chillag KL, Collins BM, Tibe T, Paxton LA, Kilmarx PK
BOTUSA Project, CDC, Gaborone, Botswana

BACKGROUND: In preparation for microbicide trials, we assessed attitudes of men to determine factors affecting their willingness to support trial participation by their female partners.

METHODS: Quantitative and qualitative methods were used in Francistown and Gaborone, Botswana to elicit barriers and facilitators of support. We read a script describing a microbicide efficacy trial then did a survey or semi-structured group or individual interview. We analyzed survey data in SAS. Translations of verbatim transcripts were analyzed using computer assisted techniques.

RESULTS: Of 140 males surveyed (ages 18-40), 79% would 'definitely or probably encourage' while 21% would 'probably or definitely not' encourage their partner to join a microbicide trial. Among 'willing' men, the most common reasons for support were external safety reviews (92%) and 'stopping HIV' (91%). Among 'unwilling' men, the most common reasons for reluctance were partner's safety (97%) and potential side effects for men (93%). 3 group and 7 individual qualitative interviews with men identified factors influencing support for trial participation. Men emphasized the importance of educating men about the trials and discussions between partners. Their concerns included possible effects of a microbicide on male health, sexual pleasure, and perceptions of partners' sexual fidelity. Men wanted to be consulted by their partners but most did not think their permission for participation in the trials was necessary.

CONCLUSIONS: A high proportion of men in Botswana are supportive of their partners' participation in microbicide trials and many expressed the importance of being informed about the trials.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Seropositivity, HIV Infections, Anti-Infective Agents, HIV Seronegativity, Botswana, Humans, Male, Female, immunology, organization & administration, methods

040711
ThOrC1375

Copyright © 2004 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.