The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #43902

Sheryl Thorburn Bird, PhD, MPH¹, S. Marie Harvey, DrPH², Julie E. Maher, PhD, MS³, and Meredith Roberts Branch, MPH, CHES². (1) Associate Professor, Department of Public Health, Oregon State University, 264 Waldo Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331-6406, 541-737-9493, Sheryl.Bird@oregonstate.edu, (2) Research Program on Women's Health, Center for the Study of Women in Society, University of Oregon, 1201 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1201, (3) Kaiser Center for Health Research, 3800 N. Kaiser Center Drive, Portland, OR 97227

Female-controlled methods for the prevention of HIV/STDs that can be used without the male partner’s knowledge are needed. These methods are not intended to replace the male condom, but provide women with an alternative method of protection if condoms are not an option. Research on the vaginal diaphragm indicates that the diaphragm is effective in preventing some STDs and has advantages over other female-controlled methods. Diaphragm use, however, has declined over the last 20 years and very few women now use the diaphragm. This presentation is part of a larger study that examines the acceptability of the diaphragm for the prevention of HIV/STDs. More specifically, we compare a sample of women in the U.S. using diaphragms with those using male condoms on background characteristics, HIV/STD risk factors, relationship characteristics (e.g., communication about HIV/STDs), method attributes, and method satisfaction. Telephone interviews are being conducted with approximately 550 women who are either current or former diaphragm users and 400 women who are users of contraceptive methods other than the diaphragm. Analyses of preliminary data from 139 diaphragm users and 105 condom users indicate that the two groups significantly differed on several factors. For example, compared to condom users, diaphragm users placed less importance on a method that their partner likes, is not messy, reduces the chances of getting HIV/STDs, and can be bought without seeing a doctor. In addition, diaphragm users were more satisfied with their method. Results from analysis with the total sample and implications for HIV/STD prevention will be presented.

Learning Objectives:

• Articulate how condom users and diaphragm users differ on background characteristics, HIV/STD risk factors and relationship characteristics.
• Describe how the two groups of women differ on method attributes they find important and method satisfaction.
• Discuss the implications of the study findings for the prevention of HIV/STDs among women.

Keywords: STD Prevention, HIV/AIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.