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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Lucy Annang, PhD¹, Stephanie Rhodes, BA¹, Mina Madani, BA¹, Jessica L. Muilenburg, PhD², Sheryl M. Strasser, PhD³, and Diane M. Grimley, PhD¹. (1) Department of Health Behavior, UAB School of Public Health, RPHB 227, 1530 3rd Ave. South, Birmingham, AL 35294-0022, 205-975-5467, lannang@uab.edu, (2) Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, (3) College of Dentistry, New York University, 433 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10010

Background: HIV and other sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevalence among women continues to rise at epidemic rates. Fortunately, microbicidal products are currently under development as a viable option for HIV/STI prevention. Methods: Self-administered surveys were completed by females seeking care at a family planning clinic. Results: Of 100 women surveyed, the age range was 14 to 47 years (M=25.3 years). The majority were African American (65.0%), 74.0% had never been married, and nearly half (49.0%) were college-educated. Nearly all (97.0%) were sexually active and most (84.0%) had a main sexual partner, of which 38.1% reported never using condoms with that partner. One quarter (25.0%) of the sample reported a previous STI diagnosis. When asked of their willingness to try a microbicide, 63.0% responded affirmatively. Furthermore, women who currently douche (26% of sample) were even more likely to consent to trial use (73.5%) with the knowledge that they would need to modify their douching behavior to enhance the microbicide's effectiveness. Conclusion: This sample of women was receptive to the idea of microbicide use. Microbicides could serve as an HIV/STI preventive option for many women, particularly those who do not use condoms and are at risk for HIV/STI transmission. Additionally, an unanticipated side effect of microbicide use may be the modification of douching behavior when women are faced with the decision of HIV/STI prevention versus what they perceive as maintaining feminine hygiene.

Learning Objectives:

• To determine women's interest in using microbicide products.
• To recognize the importance of alerting women to microbicide development and informing them about the behaviors that may limit product effectiveness.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered