Abstract:
Background: Vaginal microbicides are in development for the prevention of HIV transmission to women via
sexual intercourse. Acceptability of the microbicide delivery method in the targeted population is important to
product adherence and, therefore, product effectiveness. It is anticipated that multiple delivery methods will be
required to satisfy personal preferences among future microbicide users.
Methods: A total of 526 sexually active women aged 18–30 years participated in a consumer product preference
study in Burkina Faso, Tanzania, and Zambia. Screened women who had given consent were instructed to use
each of the three products (placebo formulations of a vaginal tablet, film, and soft-gel capsule) once daily for 7
consecutive days for a total of 21 days. Women were interviewed about their impressions of the product at the
completion of each 7-day trial period.
Results: Over 80% of women reported they liked using each dosage form, and over 85% said they would
definitely use it. The film and soft-gel capsule were chosen significantly more often than the tablet as the
preferred dosage form (39% and 37% vs. 25%, respectively) mainly because of faster dissolving time and easier
insertion. Women in Burkina Faso and Tanzania preferred the soft-gel capsule (42%–46%), whereas Zambian
women preferred the film (51%). Age, socioeconomic status, and marital status did not significantly affect
product preference.
Conclusions: All three dosage forms were acceptable to the women surveyed. Preferred dosage forms varied by
country. These data suggest that the availability of microbicides in multiple dosage forms may increase acceptability,
adherence, and, therefore, effectiveness.
