Insights into Microbicide Acceptability and Preferences Among Urban Adolescent Girls

Abstract

Microbicides potentially offer women and girls more control over their HIV protection. Despite numerous trials, data describing adolescents’ microbicide preferences are limited. To address this gap, the authors interviewed and surveyed 26 African American, urban, adolescent girls to identify whether microbicides would be an acceptable method of HIV protection, their likelihood to use, and preferred characteristics. Survey results reported that all participants’ were willing to use microbicides; however, interviews revealed hesitancy due to a myriad of concerns. Factors impacting adolescents’ microbicide acceptability differed from those of adult women, indicating a need for support tailored to adolescents’ concerns. Additional mixed-methods studies are necessary to promote microbicide acceptability and adherence among this vulnerable population.

KEYWORDS:

• microbicides
• adolescent girls
• adolescent HIV prevention
• sexuality