Abstract
BackgroundA new contraceptive microarray patch (MAP) for women is in development. Input on this method from potential end-users early in the product development process is important to guide design decisions. This paper presents the qualitative component of a broader study exploring initial acceptability of the MAP and selected product features. The qualitative research was intended to identify product features that are most salient to end-users and to contextualize preferences around them with subsequent research planned to assess quantitatively the relative importance of those features.MethodsWe conducted 16 focus group discussions and 20 in-depth interviews with women and 20 IDIs with family planning providers in New Delhi, India, and Ibadan, Nigeria. Input from the MAP developer served to identify plausible features of the MAP to include in the focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed into English, coded, and analyzed to examine key dimensions of MAP features.ResultsMany participants viewed the MAP as potentially easy to use. Interest in self-application after learning correct use was high, especially in India. Participants favored formulations affording protection from pregnancy for three or six months, if not longer. Interest in a shorter-acting MAP was particularly low in Nigeria. Non-desirable MAP features included a potential localized skin rash and pain at application. Views on patch size and location of application were related to the potential for rash and pain, with a desire to permit discreet use and minimize pain. Results indicate that the side effect profile, effectiveness, and pricing are also important factors for acceptability and uptake of a future product.ConclusionStudy findings indicate that a contraceptive MAP is of potential interest to women and that specific MAP attributes will be important to acceptability.
Highlights
In 2017, 74% of the 89 million unintended pregnancies in developing regions occurred among women not using contraception, while an additional 10% occurred among women using traditional contraceptive methods [1]
A new contraceptive microarray patch (MAP) for women is in development
This paper presents the qualitative component of a broader study exploring initial acceptability of the MAP and selected product features
Summary
In 2017, 74% of the 89 million unintended pregnancies in developing regions occurred among women not using contraception, while an additional 10% occurred among women using traditional contraceptive methods [1]. Factors leading to non-use or discontinuation of modern contraceptives include lack of accurate information, cost, access to limited services, and method-related reasons such as concerns about side effects, misperceptions about risk of pregnancy, opposition from family members, or inconvenience [2]. In addition to improving access to accurate family planning information and to methods, developing new contraceptive products that more adequately meet women’s needs is an integral component of efforts to reduce unmet contraceptive need. A new contraceptive microarray patch (MAP) for women is in development. Input on this method from potential end-users early in the product development process is important to guide design decisions. The qualitative research was intended to identify product features that are most salient to end-users and to contextualize preferences around them with subsequent research planned to assess quantitatively the relative importance of those features
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