OBJECTIVE – To provide a multidimensional examination of men who have sex with men’s (MSM) preferences about the characteristics of a potential microbicide for anal intercourse. METHODS – 387 MSM were recruited at street locations in West Hollywood, California. Participants rated 48 features that might characterize a microbicide product, indicating the extent to which each feature increased or decreased the likelihood of product use (7-point scale) and selecting the feature most important to them. Seven dimensions were formed: product effectiveness, use of product, convenience/accessibility, physical attributes of product, physical effects of its use, psychological effects, and interpersonal concerns. RESULTS – Sample characteristics: 52% white, 22% African-American, and 26% Latino. 72% reported they were HIV-negative; 15% were HIV-positive and 13% had unknown HIV serostatus. Median age was 29. The dimension “effectiveness of the product” had the highest composite mean rating (6.51). 40% of the participants indicated that confidence in effectiveness against HIV infection was the feature most important to them. Participants also wanted the product to be effective against other sexually transmitted diseases, to be recommended by an expert, to not reduce physical sensation or pleasure, and to allow for personal control. Preferences were similar across age, ethnicity, education, income, and HIV serostatus. CONCLUSION – These findings can help guide future development and marketing of a microbicide for MSM. The fact that preferences were similar across sociodemographic characteristics suggests that HIV prevention campaigns to promote information and use of a microbicide may be able to target a wide audience of MSM.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1)List five features MSM consider important to them in a future rectal microbicide, 2)Discuss the relationship of sociodemographic characteristics, attitudes, and behavior with microbicide feature preferences, 3)Describe the implications these findings have for future development, marketing and prevention efforts
Keywords: Gay Men, HIV/AIDS
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.