HIV Prevention Research Unit
National
Institutes of Health: Microbicide Acceptability Studies
Principle Investigator: Dr Gita Ramjee
Co-Investigator: Ms Neetha Morar
Project Leader (Phase III): Dr Roshini Govinden
Phases and Objectives
PHASE
1: ACCEPTABILITY AMONG MICROBICIDE-EXPERIENCED WOMEN/MEN
Objectives
 |
To identify women
who were enrolled in the microbicide trial. |
|
To identify a group
of HIV-sero-converters |
|
To determine social,
cultural, behavioural and product factors affecting microbicide use among
these groups. |
PHASE II: RAPID ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES (RAP)
Objectives
|
To develop a standardised
tool for measuring acceptability of different vaginal microbicides in
a wide range of situations among diverse populations diverse populations
based on RAP. |
PHASE
III: RANDOMIZED CONTROL TRIAL
Objectives
|
Assess the acceptability
of two different gel volumes among rural women and men. |
|
To assess the acceptability
of two gel applicators among rural women and men. |
|
To determine the
most acceptable combination of gel applicator and volume among rural women
and men |
|
To assess the feasibility
of conducting a clinical trial in a rural area. |
PHASE IIII: MICROBICIDES PREPAREDNESS STUDY
Objectives
|
To identify potential
service delivery barriers in order to engage facilitators in the introduction
of microbicides at clinics, hospitals and pharmacies. |
|
To explore the health
care service providers knowledge, attitudes and acceptability of microbicides. |
|
To understand how
the service delivery system and individual health care providers’
might adapt to the demands of new HIV/STI prevention technologies and
incorporate them into the routine client counseling and; |
|
To develop strategies
for marketing and disseminating microbicides to the public. |
|
