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Using conjoint analysis to determine the impact of product and user characteristics on acceptability of rectal microbicides for HIV prevention among Peruvian men who have sex with men
  1. Eric C Tang1,
  2. Jerome T Galea2,3,
  3. Janni J Kinsler4,
  4. Pedro Gonzales5,
  5. Magdalena E Sobieszczyk1,6,
  6. Jorge Sanchez5,7,
  7. Javier R Lama5,7
  1. 1Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
  2. 2Epicentro Salud, Lima, Peru
  3. 3Socios En Salud, Lima, Peru
  4. 4Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
  5. 5Asociación Civil Impacta Salud y Educación, Lima, Peru
  6. 6Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
  7. 7Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
  1. Correspondence to Dr Eric C Tang, Graduate Medical Office, 2425 Geary Blvd, M160, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA; ect2119{at}columbia.edu

Abstract

Objectives Men who have sex with men (MSM) are in need of novel and acceptable HIV prevention interventions. In Peru, a Phase II clinical trial was recently completed evaluating rectally applied tenofovir gel among Peruvian MSM and transgender women. If deemed safe and acceptable, the product could move into efficacy testing, but acceptability data for similar products are needed now in order to prepare for future implementation. Peru is in need of expanded, national acceptability data among likely users.

Methods Using conjoint analysis of an online cross-sectional survey taken by 1008 Peruvian MSM and transgender women, we tested the acceptability of eight hypothetical rectal microbicide (RM) products comprising six, dual-value attributes. We also assessed the relationship of select product attributes with sample characteristics.

Results Highest acceptability was found for a RM that was 90% effective, used before and after sex, without side effects, costing approximately $0.30, had no prescription requirement and had a single-use applicator. Product effectiveness and presence of side effects were the factors most likely to drive RM acceptance and use. Education, sexual orientation, sexual role and concern for HIV infection were also related to aspects of RM acceptability.

Conclusion RM acceptability was high, confirming the results of earlier, smaller studies and placing confidence in the acceptability of RMs. Analysis of the relationships with product attributes and sample characteristics underscore the need to consider the impact of factors such as sexual orientation, sexual role, level of education and concern for HIV acquisition on RM acceptability.

  • HIV
  • LATIN AMERICA
  • MICROBICIDES
  • PREVENTION
  • ATTITUDES

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