Adherence to Rectal Gel Use Among Mainly Ethnic Minority Young Men Who have Sex with Men During A 3-Month Placebo Gel Trial: Implications for Microbicide Research

Abstract

To study adherence to product use prior to a Phase I microbicide trial, we recruited young men who have sex with men (YMSM) with a history of unprotected receptive anal intercourse (RAI) and provided them with 40 rectal applicators containing a placebo gel to use prior to RAI during a 12-week period. Ninety-five YMSM completed the trial. Based on a Computer Assisted Self Interview, 83 participants had receptive anal intercourse (RAI) (Median 12 occasions) using gel on 82.4% of occasions (SD 26.7; 0-100). Based on an interactive voice response system, 88 participants had RAI (Median 10 occasions) using gel on 87.9% of occasions (SD 20.0; 20-100). By applicator counts the median gel use was 12. Participants showed high adherence to gel use. Those who did not use the product consistently (n=40) adduced not having it with them (85%), forgetting to use it (48%), not wanting to use it (13%), partner refusal (10%) and gel messiness (10%).