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Microbicide Acceptability to Prevent HIV in High-Risk Women
Research Method: Basic Research
Principal Investigators: Margaret R. Weeks, Ph.D. (PI),
Jean J. Schensul, Ph.D. (Co-PI)
Grant: National Institute of Mental Health R01 MH63631
Partners: National Intitute of Mental Health
Dates of Study: 2001-2003

Abstract
There is a growing recognition that women confronting drug addiction, poverty and victimization, and women from diverse cultural backgrounds face unique challenges in attempting to make use of common methods of HIV prevention, such as negotiating condom use with their partners. Additionally, women desiring children are reluctant to use spermicidal or barrier methods for disease prevention. Advocates and researchers are calling for research and development of female-controlled products for HIV/STD transmission prevention, such as microbicides. The "Microbicide Acceptability to Prevent HIV in High-Risk Women" project explores the level of preparedness for microbicidal products among women (ages 16 and older) at high risk of HIV or other sexually transmitted infection. Conducted in Hartford, CT, the project focuses on the personal, socio-cultural and contextual factors that affect their willingness to try or adopt such methods. It also explores the different reasons women have for choosing among alternative approaches to reducing sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. The three-year study uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to understand factors and conditions that influence whether or when such products would be used among this population.

Project Goals and Objectives
The specific aims of the project are to:


	Examine the acceptability of different microbicidal prevention methods (e.g., different products, vehicles, etc.) among women at high risk of contracting or transmitting HIV through unprotected sex.
	Identify the contextual factors that affect acceptability and use of microbicide products, including ethnic/cultural beliefs, peer norms, drug use/addiction, prostitution, abusive partners, economic conditions, social settings, and partner relationships.
	Test the acceptability of an over-the-counter lubricant that is applied in a manner similar to microbicidal products currently under development to assess factors associated with use or non-use (e.g., application process, affect on sexual sensation, partner preference, etc.)

Project Details
The project uses focus groups with high-risk women and men, surveys, and in-depth interviews to gain information on contraceptive use, familiarity with contraceptives similar to microbicidal products currently under development (e.g., spermicides), and the conditions and factors that affect high-risk women's willingness to use such products. A sub-sample of women will be asked to participate in a trial of an over-the-counter lubricant that is applied in a manner similar to that of a microbicide. Participants in the trial will be asked to keep a journal recording their sexual activity and their use of, and reactions to, the product. Results from the study will be disseminated to other research and advocacy organizations concerned with the promotion and distribution of such products when they are widely available.

Project Contact:
Margaret Weeks, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator

Jean J. Schensul, Ph.D.,
Co-Principal Investigator
Executive Director

Project Staff:
Margaret Weeks, Ph.D., Principal Investigator
Jean J. Schensul, Ph.D.,
Co-Principal Investigator
Laurie Sylla, M.A.,
Co-Principal Investigator, Director CT AIDS Education & Training, Yale University School of Nursing
Maryann Abbott, M.A.,
Project Coordinator/ Ethnographer
Katie Mosack, Ph.D.,
Data Analyst
Raquel Martinez, B.A., Assistant Data Manager
Barbara Valdez, R.N., Outreach Interviewer
Mary Prince, H.S.,
Outreach Interviewer
Michelle Corbett, BA
Ethnographer

Link to Research Methods page

Link to Basic Research Methods page

Extermal Links
CT AIDS Education and Training
National Institute of Mental Health
Global Campaign for Microbicides