1. User assessment of a microarray patch for HIV PrEP and as a multipurpose prevention technology for HIV and pregnancy prevention: perspectives from Uganda and South Africa
- Author
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Brook, M. Kilbourne, Ismail, A., Magni, S., Fellows, T., Katahoire, A. Ruhweza, Ayebare, F., Siu, G., Semitala, F., Kyambadde, P., Katuntu, D., Weston, A. Rein, and Jarrahian, C.
- Subjects
Contraceptives -- Dosage and administration ,Sexually transmitted diseases -- Prevention ,Transdermal medication -- Usage ,HIV infection -- Prevention ,Health - Abstract
Background: Innovative HIV and pregnancy prevention products that are easy to use and acceptable are needed to expand prevention options, especially for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). A microarray patch (MAP)--a novel drug delivery system--is being developed to administer HIV PrEP and as a multipurpose prevention technology (MPT) to protect from HIV and unintended pregnancy. Feedback from user/stakeholder assessments early in product development can help refine product features to meet the needs of intended users. Methods: Employing focus group discussions (FGD), key informant interviews, and mock-use exercises with prototypes, we explored user/stakeholder perceptions of the MAP technology and needs/preferences regarding product features that could influence usability, acceptability, and programmatic integration. This study was conducted among 6 target audiences in 8 rural and urban sites in South Africa and Uganda. Overall, we conducted 14 FGDs with AGYW (18-24 years), 2 with female sex workers (FSW), 8 with heterosexual men, and 2 with men who have sex with men. We also interviewed 20 HIV and family planning health care providers, 4 FSWs, and 6 policymaker/program managers. Seventy additional participants representing all user groups evaluated the usability of MAP prototypes. Findings were coded/analyzed using Atlas.Ti software. Results: All groups expressed interest in the MAP technology, reporting potential advantages over methods such as pills and injectables. Most participants preferred a smaller MAP and long-term protection (1-3 + months) with some differences noted across groups. Self-administration and discreet use were valued by all. Preferred application site and duration of application varied by MAP size. An MPT MAP was preferred over an HIV prevention-only MAP by most AGYWs and FSWs. Participants wanted more confidence from the feedback indicator regarding correct MAP application and drug delivery. Participants wanted more information about how the MAP works and voiced concerns about potential drug-related side effects and effectiveness. Conclusions: This early-stage user assessment of MAPs for HIV PrEP and MPT found high potential acceptability among users/stakeholders. MAP size and duration of protection are key attributes that will influence acceptability and uptake. Ongoing user assessments are essential to refine MAP prototypes to better meet users' needs., OA04.01 M. Kilbourne-Brook (1); A. Ismail (2); S. Magni (2); T. Fellows (2); A. Ruhweza Katahoire (3); F. Ayebare (3); G. Siu (3); F. Semitala (4); P. Kyambadde (5); D. [...]
- Published
- 2021
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