Contraceptive Preference Among Women at Risk of HIV Acquisition in a Preparatory Screening Study for a Phase III Microbicide Trial in South Western Uganda

Abstract

Contraceptive preferences of women at risk for HIV acquisition are not well documented. We report on contraceptive choices among women residing in small townships in southwestern Uganda. This was part of preparatory efforts for recruitment into the Ring Study, a phase 3 microbicide trial, between July 2013 and October 2014. Clinicians provided contraceptives per a woman's choice. HIV testing and screening for other sexually transmitted infections were done at first contact and at screening for the trial. Contraceptive choice was summarized by demographics and regression analysis to show factors associated with use of the injectable method. Of 6725 women contacted, 489 were prescreened. Of these 489 women, most (306, 63%) were already using contraception. Injectables were most preferred (58.7%), followed by implants (23.9%). Women living with a regular sexual partner preferred the injectable method (61.0%, P = 0.06), compared with other methods. Women at risk for HIV infection are willing to initiate use of modern contraceptives, which may reduce study dropout during intervention trials due to unintended pregnancy. Registration no: NCT01539226.

Associations between intravaginal practices and incidence of sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginosis among women enrolled in the dapivirine vaginal ring trial (The Ring Study) in southwestern Uganda: a retrospective secondary analysis

“…The site recruited women at high risk of HIV infection from towns along the trans-African highway and the shores of Lake Victoria. Details of the recruitment procedures and study population have been described elsewhere 29. Briefly, the research site enrolled 197 women (18–45 years of age) at high risk of HIV infection.…”

Assessment of risk compensation following use of the dapivirine vaginal ring in southwestern Uganda

“…Details on the recruitment of women into The Ring Study in southwestern Uganda have been previously described and published. 23 Briefly, the research site enrolled 197 women at high risk of HIV infection between September 2013 and December 2016. High risk was defined by the research centre by presence of any two of the following: (1) history of STIs in the past 3 months; (3) self-reported condomless sex with multiple sex partners or a new partner in the past 3 months; and (3) use of recreational drugs (marijuana and alcohol) in the past 3 months.…”

“I fear those things”: non-uptake of contraceptives, and barriers to use among adolescent girls and young women at high risk of HIV infection in Kampala, Uganda

“…While studies have assessed the need for contraception among women at high risk of HIV infection (14)(15)(16), most have been conducted among older women. Yet AGYW at risk of HIV infection may have specific challenges seeking appropriate contraception, such as socio-cultural norms against young unmarried girls being sexually active and poor attitudes from the health care workers towards young girls seeking contraception (17).…”