Self-reported removal and expulsion of the dapivirine vaginal ring: qualitative reports from female ring users and their male partners in the Ring Study (IPM 027).
BMC Public Health
; 24(1): 1458, 2024 May 31.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38822304
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/AIMS:
The dapivirine vaginal ring is a self-administered, women-initiated, discreet, long-acting HIV-1 prevention option for women. It was found to be safe and effective in healthy HIV-negative women who adhered to product use instructions, and has been approved for use in women aged 18 and older in some African countries. A qualitative study was conducted to explore participants' and their male partners' discussions on accidental/purposeful vaginal ring removals during The Ring Study (IPM 027 clinical trial).METHODS:
Data were collected via in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with female trial participants and their male partners, from seven research centres in South Africa and Uganda. Data were thematically analysed using NVivo.RESULTS:
More participants reported purposeful ring removals than accidental expulsions. Various factors influenced purposeful ring removal - including individual (discomfort during use/sex and to clean it), partner (to show them, because of discomfort during sex, to test if partners could feel it, and concerns of harm), organisational (doctor's request), and socio-cultural (rumours about sickness and infertility). Some described their own ring use removal, others discussed why other participants removed their rings.CONCLUSIONS:
Vaginal ring adherence is critical to improve and support product efficacy. Counselling on vaginal anatomy, vaginal ring insertion and importance of adherence is important to minimise vaginal ring removal. Couples counselling is also important to facilitate support and long-term vaginal ring adherence behaviour. Understanding factors influencing vaginal ring adherence is important for tailoring and targeting messages to support correct and consistent vaginal ring use as it is made available to the public.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Pirimidinas
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Parceiros Sexuais
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Infecções por HIV
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Dispositivos Anticoncepcionais Femininos
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Pesquisa Qualitativa
Limite:
Adolescent
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Adult
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle aged
País como assunto:
Africa
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article