Using Conjoint Analysis to Determine the Impact of Product & User Characteristics on Acceptability of Rectal Microbicides for HIV Prevention among Peruvian Men Who Have Sex with Men

OBJECTIVES:

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are in need of novel and acceptable HIV prevention interventions. In Peru, a Phase II clinical trial was recently completed evaluating rectally applied tenofovir gel among Peruvian MSM and transgender women. If deemed safe and acceptable, the product could move into efficacy testing, but acceptability data for similar products are needed now in order to prepare for future implementation. Peru is in need of expanded, national acceptability data among likely users.

METHODS:

Using conjoint analysis of an online cross-sectional survey taken by 1008 Peruvian MSM and transgender women, we tested the acceptability of eight hypothetical rectal microbicide (RM) products comprising six, dual-value attributes. We also assessed the relationship of select product attributes with sample characteristics.

RESULTS:

Highest acceptability was found for a RM that was 90% effective, used before and after sex, without side effects, costing approximately $0.30, had no prescription requirement and had a single-use applicator. Product effectiveness and presence of side effects were the factors most likely to drive RM acceptance and use. Education, sexual orientation, sexual role and concern for HIV infection were also related to aspects of RM acceptability.

CONCLUSION:

RM acceptability was high, confirming the results of earlier, smaller studies and placing confidence in the acceptability of RMs. Analysis of the relationships with product attributes and sample characteristics underscore the need to consider the impact of factors such as sexual orientation, sexual role, level of education and concern for HIV acquisition on RM acceptability.

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Sex Transm Infect doi:10.1136/sextrans-2015-052028

By:  Tang EC1, Galea JT2, Kinsler JJ3, Gonzales P4, Sobieszczyk ME5, Sanchez J6, Lama JR6.

• 1Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York, USA.
• 2Epicentro Salud, Lima, Peru Socios En Salud, Lima, Peru.
• 3Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.
• 4Asociación Civil Impacta Salud y Educación, Lima, Peru.
• 5Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York, USA Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York, USA.
• 6Asociación Civil Impacta Salud y Educación, Lima, Peru Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.

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