Adolescent Issues Associated with Knowledge of and Access to Topical Microbicides

Abstract

Consideration of the adolescent-specific issues in the design of microbicides and marketing strategies may be crucial for adolescent adoption of this female-controlled method.

Vaginal Microbicide Preferences Among Midwestern Urban Adolescent Women

“…Similar to existing research [7,11], young women's preferences were sensitive to side effects, contraceptive properties, and timing of application. Specifically, adolescent women reported an ordered preference for a microbicide with no side effects, having contraceptive properties, applied 10 minutes postcoitally, and protecting against STI rather than HIV.…”

“…Extant microbicide acceptability research with young women has suggested that contraceptive and disease prevention properties, timing of use, and associated side effects are important characteristics [7]. The findings suggest that young women generally prefer both pregnancy and disease prevention in a single product and insertion with an applicator up to 8 hours in advance [8].…”

“…In addition, there is a preference for lubricating products [9,10] with low amounts of messiness [9] and leakage [8]. Previous research also indicated that relevant potential side effects may impact microbicide use, including yeast infections, vaginal itching, and allergic reactions [7,11]. Furthermore, access was an important gauge of acceptability in a group of adolescent women.…”

“…Furthermore, access was an important gauge of acceptability in a group of adolescent women. Women indicated that microbicides should be promoted through "adolescent-specific and girl-specific venues," including women's magazines [7]. There was also a reported desire for microbicides that would be small enough to carry in their pocket, bra, or within cell phone or palm pilot cases, and should be distributed through schools and sexuality education classes [7].…”

“…Women indicated that microbicides should be promoted through "adolescent-specific and girl-specific venues," including women's magazines [7]. There was also a reported desire for microbicides that would be small enough to carry in their pocket, bra, or within cell phone or palm pilot cases, and should be distributed through schools and sexuality education classes [7]. Most young women preferred over-the-counter availability of microbicides, yet stated they would be embarrassed if purchasing the product in the presence of others [7,8].…”