Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

32: Adolescent girls’ descriptions of the physical characteristics of microbicide surrogates

2006; Elsevier BV; Volume: 38; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.jadohealth.2005.11.108

1879-1972

E. Alexandra Zubowicz, Jennifer Yates, Michelle M. Perfect, Beth A. Auslander, Susan L. Rosenthal,

Social Media in Health Education

Topical microbicides are female-controlled products currently in development designed to protect against STI acquisition. Perceptions of product characteristics may influence acceptability and continued use. Thus, we sought to describe adolescent girls’ experiences and perceptions of partner experiences regarding use of products having similar formulations and application methods. Girls, ages 14 to 21 years, were followed for 6 months and asked to use Replens (gel-filled applicator) or Lubrin (suppository) when they had sexual intercourse. Girls could try both of the products; however, they were asked about their product preference. After 3 months, the girls were asked open-ended questions regarding experiences of use. A codebook was developed based upon review of responses, which were then coded by two reviewers. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus. Of the 178 girls who attended their 3-month visit, 106 reported using a product in the context of intercourse. These 106 girls had a mean age of 18.48 years and were 31% Caucasian/Other, 36% African-American, and 33% Hispanic, with a mean length of sexual activity of 3 years. At intake, 86% (N= 89) of the girls preferred the gel to the suppository. Girls based their preference upon the particular product’s anticipated ease of use and messiness. For those who preferred the gel, the common reason was to avoid the 15-minute wait period required between suppository insertion and intercourse. In addition, some did not want to touch the suppository for self-insertion, as they anticipated messiness. For those who preferred the suppository, girls often perceived it as less messy or preferred the smaller size. Another factor in initial perceptions was the observation (either negative or positive) that the product was similar to a product with which a girl had prior experience. For example, some girls reported not liking the suppository because it reminded them of antifungal medication. Others reported the gel reminded them of a tampon, and thus based their opinions of the gel upon their perceptions of tampons. Following use, girls predominantly reported on the lubricating qualities, which were usually seen as making intercourse “easier” /“better.” The girls’ concerns focused on the texture of the products, including leakage both during and post intercourse, as well as general perceptions of messiness. The “clumping” factor associated with use of the gel was of particular concern, as girls often described it as “chunky” or “gunky.” Most partners knew about the product prior to use, and although partners responded positively, some expressed concerns about the health consequences of the product touching the penis. Girls reported managing this concern by comparing the product to more familiar products, such as KY jelly. In general, adolescent girls viewed formulations of these microbicide surrogates positively and considered the lubricating qualities advantageous. It will be important to prepare adolescent girls and their partners for the less desirable effects, such as leakage, so these factors do not discourage continued and consistent use.