P14.10
Background: Prevention of HIV and pregnancy could be accomplished with a single “Multipurpose Prevention Technology” (MPT), and a number of topical vaginal products are currently under development. There is limited information on the interests of potential MPT users and those advising on use, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Rather, assumptions about interest in such a product are inferred from what is known about acceptability and use of vaginal microbicides or contraceptives.
Methods: This paper presents data on concerns and preferences for multipurpose prevention of HIV and pregnancy. Data were collected in two on-demand microbicide gel studies in Malawi and Zimbabwe. Participants were women using candidate vaginal products, their male partners, health professionals and community stakeholders. All participants provided an interview which was audio-recorded, transcribed, coded for content, and analyzed for key themes concerning interest and concerns about multipurpose prevention.
Results: Participants indicated strong interest in a vaginal HIV prevention product that could also prevent pregnancy. Key reported advantages included convenience, the potential to avoid side effects experienced with current contraceptive methods, concerns about long-term effects of contraceptives, and concerns about the health burdens of HIV infection during pregnancy. The main disadvantage of an MPT was recognition that while interest in preventing HIV is constant, contraceptive needs change over time.
Conclusions: The study provides much-needed primary data on interest in an MPT to prevent HIV and pregnancy. This interest may be further strengthened if a product is also available for prevention of only HIV. Health professionals and community advisors may be more likely to recommend an MPT, and women and men may be more willing to use an MPT, if they can be reassured that use will have no long-term effect on fertility, and they can switch from single to multipurpose prevention as needs change over time.
