Tina G. Vazin, PhD¹, Crystal Spivey, MPH², M. Kim Oh, MD³, Tina Simpson, MD³, and Karyn Scissum-Gunn, PhD⁴. (1) Foundations and Psychology, Alabama State University, 915 South Jackson Street, Montgomery, AL 36101, 334-229-6972, tvazin@asunet.alasu.edu, (2) Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Ryals Suite 320, 1665 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294-0022, (3) Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, suite 201-MTC 1616 6th Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35233, (4) Biomedical, Alabama State University, 915 South Jackson St, Montgomery, AL 36101

Objectives: To determine HIV/STD and pregnancy prevention methods used, preferred characteristics of new methods being developed, and willingness to participate in clinical trials by university women. Design: Confidential cross-sectional survey. Methods: Convenience samples of women students attending a HBCU (Historically Black University) participated in the study. A survey developed by the investigators was administered confidentially to small groups of students on campus in non-clinic settings. Results: 184 students participated (median age 20+/- 0.55 years; 91% African-American, 9% white. One or more types of prevention methods had been used by 90%. Among those who used prevention methods, 95% had used male condoms, 7% female condoms, 66% oral contraceptive pills, 21% injectable hormones, 17% vaginal cream/gel. Important characteristics of new prevention methods included female controlled methods 81%, available without a prescription 44%, vaginal cream/gel 44%, douche-like application 48%, oral administration 54%, injectable 32%, undetectable by sex partner 32%. High levels of concern for contracting STD’s were expressed: 76% for AIDS/HIV, 55% Chlamydia, 56% genital herpes, 53% gonorrhea. Overall, 51% expressed interest in participating in clinical trials of new preventive methods. Interest in research participation was associated with the participant’s perceived risk of HIV/AIDS (p=.003), of chlamydial (p=.006), of herpes (p=.009), of gonorrhea (p=.003). Conclusion: This study demonstrates the needs for education/intervention to increase acceptability of already available products among university women, and acceptability research of biomedical methods in these potential end-users will facilitate the development of new biomedical methods. The majority were concerned about HIV/AIDS and willing to participate in biomedical research.

Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, you will be able to

• Discuss the importance of acceptability research in the development of biomedical prevention methods.
• Describe the prevention methods used by African-American female college students.
• Describe relationship between African-American female students' level of concern about contracting HIV/STD's and their willingness to participate in biomedical research.

Keywords: STD Prevention, HIV/AIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.