End-Users\u2019 Product Preference Across Three Multipurpose Prevention Technology Delivery Forms: Baseline Results from Young Women in Kenya and South Africa

Rachel Weinrib,Fred Owino,Khatija Ahmed,Alexandra Minnis,Kgahlisho Manenzhe,Kawango Agot,Ariane Van Der Straten,Helen Cheng

doi:10.1007/s10461-017-1911-6

Abstract

A multipurpose prevention technology (MPT) that combines HIV and pregnancy prevention is a promising women’s health intervention, particularly for young women. However, little is known about the drivers of acceptability and product choice for MPTs in this population. This paper explores approval ratings and stated choice across three different MPT delivery forms among potential end-users. The Trio Study was a mixed-methods study in women ages 18–30 that examined acceptability of three MPT delivery forms: oral tablets, injections, and vaginal ring. Approval ratings and stated choice among the products was collected at baseline. Factors influencing stated product choice were explored using multivariable multinomial logistic regression. The majority (62%) of women in Trio stated they would choose injections, 27% would choose tablets and 11% would choose the ring. Significant predictors of choice included past experience with similar contraceptive delivery forms, age, and citing frequency of use as important. Ring choice was higher for older (25–30) women than for younger (18–24) women (aRR = 3.1; p < 0.05). These results highlight the importance of familiarity in MPT product choice of potential for variations in MPT preference by age.

Highlights

Preventing HIV and unintended pregnancy are key health priorities for women, in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where rates of HIV infection are at least twice as high among young women as among young men, and 59% of people living with HIV are women [1]
Women may face fewer barriers to using an multipurpose prevention technology (MPT) than an HIV prevention product, including community stigma around HIV, inconsistent adherence due to the need to use two prevention products, and challenges in communicating about HIV prevention with their partners [8, 9]. These MPT products will only be effective in reducing rates of HIV and AIDS Behav (2018) 22:133–145 unintended pregnancy if they are acceptable to the women who most need them
This paper examines product preferences before using an MPT, reflecting a real-world situation in which potential end-users would need to choose between a menu of different MPT products at a clinic or pharmacy

Summary

Introduction

Preventing HIV and unintended pregnancy are key health priorities for women, in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where rates of HIV infection are at least twice as high among young (ages 18–30) women as among young men, and 59% of people living with HIV are women [1]. Women may face fewer barriers to using an MPT than an HIV prevention product, including community stigma around HIV, inconsistent adherence due to the need to use two prevention products, and challenges in communicating about HIV prevention with their partners [8, 9]. These MPT products will only be effective in reducing rates of HIV and AIDS Behav (2018) 22:133–145 unintended pregnancy if they are acceptable to the women who most need them

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