<p>Engaging study participants in interpreting results: lessons from the TRIO study in Kenya and South Africa</p>

Abstract

Background: Women account for 56% of new HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa. Multipurpose Prevention Technologies (MPTs) are promising interventions because they combine HIV prevention with a less stigmatizing indication, such as pregnancy. We conducted a study with three placebo-only MPT products in Kisumu, Kenya and Soshanguve, South Africa, to assess preferences for attributes of tablets, vaginal rings and injectable products for dual prevention of HIV and pregnancy (TRIO Study). Here, we present former TRIO participants’ views on the study results. Methods: After study completion in 2017, we held five dissemination sessions (two in Kisumu and three in Soshanguve) and five one-on-one sharing sessions in Soshanguve. Key results were discussed, with a focus on why some study products were more popular than others, which findings were surprising and why some women changed products over time. A thematic approach was used for analysis. Results: All 277 TRIO participants were telephoned, 168 (60.6%) were reached and 117 (42.2%) attended the dissemination sessions: 71 in Kisumu and 46 in Soshanguve. Participants were engaged and interested in the TRIO findings and willingly shared their perspectives and views candidly. Ease of use, discretion and familiarity were highlighted as drivers of product choice whereas novelty presented a challenge. In explaining the discrepancy between preference ratings and choices, participants cited features such as tablets being easy to explain to a partner or to discontinue. In explaining why 20% of participants switched products after practical experience, issues related to relationships with partners and product attributes perceived as unfavorable were paramount. Conclusion: The dissemination sessions provided an important forum for study participants to interrogate and explain the results to minimize possible misinterpretation. This exercise helped give context to the results, ensured correct lessons were derived from those results and increased credibility of the findings reported by the investigators.

Giving voice to the end-user: input on multipurpose prevention technologies from the perspectives of young women in Kenya and South Africa

“…21 Study procedures have been described in detail elsewhere and the study design is presented in Figure 1. [17][18][19][22][23][24] Participants were recruited from urban and peri-urban communities surrounding each research site. Prior to eligibility screening visits, our teams held introductory engagement workshops with women (group size ranged from 15 to 30) to frame the study as an opportunity to contribute as a "co-designer" in MPT product development.…”

Introducing the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring in Sub-Saharan Africa: What Can We Learn from Oral PrEP?

“…In addition, early experiences with oral PrEP highlight the importance of engaging partners and community members, who are critical to establishing a support system for HIV prevention use. Although the DVR is designed to be discreet, users note partner influence to be an important driver of DVR uptake and ongoing use, including consideration of partner trust and other relationship dynamics [ 74 , 87 , 88 ]. As with oral PrEP, messages of health, protection, and safety resonate well with potential DVR users [ 55 ].…”

Barriers and Enablers Influencing Women's Adoption and Continuation of Vaginally Inserted Contraceptive Methods: A Literature Review

“…2010; Agot et al. 2019; Ndegwa et al. 2014; FHI360 and Family Health Options Kenya 2016, 360; FHI 360 2012; Van Der Straten et al.…”

“…2015; Agot et al. 2019; FHI 360, SFH Nigeria, and PSI 2019b, 2020a, 2020b; Hubacher et al. 2013; Kyamwanga et al.…”