A Mixed-Methods Study Examining Adherence to and Acceptability of Intravaginal Rings for HIV Prevention: Behavioral Results of MTN-027
Bauermeister, Jé.A.; Golinkoff, J.M.; Carballo-Diéguez, A.; Giguere, R.; López, D.; Hoesley, C.J.; Chen, B.A.; Anderson, P.; Dezzutti, C.S.; Strizki, J.; Sprinkle, C.; Heard, F.; Hall, W.; Jacobson, C.; Berthiaume, J.; Mayo, A.; Richardson, B.A.; Piper, J.
Aids and Behavior 24(2): 607-616
2020
ISSN/ISBN: 1090-7165 PMID: 30877580 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02457-0Document Number: 691292
Intravaginal rings (IVR) containing antiretroviral drugs are a promising method for HIV prevention. We triangulated quantitative and qualitative assessments to evaluate the acceptability of four IVRs used continuously for 28 days as part of a Phase I trial (N = 48 HIV-negative women; ages 18-45). Adherence was high throughout the trial, yet 30% of participants reported involuntary IVR expulsions followed by re-insertion. Most participants (93.6%) felt comfortable with the IVR being inside their body. Participants reported liking the IVR more (36.2%) or the same amount (55.3%) since starting the study. When given the option of choosing between the IVR and/or a male condom for HIV-prevention, most reported preferring the IVR (n = 29, 63.0%), and over a quarter of the sample reported liking them equally (n = 12, 26.1%). We observed no differences in IVR acceptability across the study arms. High adherence and acceptability underscores the promise of an IVR as a female-controlled, sustained mechanism for HIV prevention.