Women need multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) to simultaneously prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, with or without contraception. User feedback early in product development is critical for maximizing uptake and continuation. Our global online survey (April 2017–December 2018) explored women’s opinions about MPT formulations in development (e.g., fast-dissolving vaginal inserts, vaginal films, intravaginal rings, injectables, implants), preferences for long-acting or “on-demand” methods, and interest in a contraceptive MPT versus products for HIV/STI prevention alone. Of the 630 women in our final analysis (mean 30 years old; range 18–49), 68% were monogamous, 79% completed secondary education, 58% had ≥ 1 child, 56% were from sub-Saharan Africa and 82% preferred a cMPT versus HIV/STI prevention alone. There were no clear preferences for any specific product or product type (long-acting, on-demand, daily). No single product will appeal everyone, however, adding contraception is likely to increase uptake of HIV/STI prevention methods for most women.
We describe building an avatar-based self-report data collection tool to be used
for a specific HIV prevention research project that is evaluating the
feasibility and acceptability of this novel approach to collect self-reported
data among youth. We discuss the gathering of requirements, the process of
building a prototype of the envisioned system, and the lessons learned during
the development of the solution. Specific knowledge is shared regarding
technical experience with software development technologies and possible avenues
for changes that could be considered if such a self-report survey system is used
again. Examples of other gaming and avatar technology systems are included to
provide further background.
This paper reports on a specific Web-based self-report data collection system
that was developed for a public health research study in the United States. Our
focus is on technical outcome results and lessons learned that may be useful to
other projects requiring such a solution. The system was accessible from any
device that had a browser that supported HTML5. Report findings include: which
hardware devices, Web browsers, and operating systems were used; the rate of
survey completion; and key considerations for employing Web-based surveys in a
clinical trial setting.
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