The dapivirine vaginal ring from the perspective of married men in Uganda

Abstract

Background: Men play a key role in influencing uptake of women’s health products, such as female condoms and vaginal microbicides used for family planning and HIV prevention.
Method: We explored men’s perceptions of the dapivirine vaginal ring (DVR), a vaginal microbicide, in Kalungu District, rural south-western Uganda. In June/July 2018, we conducted in-depth interviews with 10 partners of women participating in the DREAM study, a phase 3B open-label extension trial of the DVR. Data were analysed thematically, drawing on the socio-ecological model theoretical framework.
Results: Influencing factors such as individual and interpersonal characteristics, perception of HIV risk, lack of knowledge about the DVR, misconceptions, and product characteristics acting at different levels (individual, societal and organisational) affected men’s knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards the DVR, which in turn impacted on their willingness to allow their partners to use it. Above all, men wanted to be involved in the decisionmaking process about the use of the DVR. All the men were happy that there was a new HIV prevention option in the pipeline and were not concerned about the degree of effectiveness, saying it was better than nothing.
Conclusion: The use of the DVR in an environment where men expect to make decisions about sex on behalf of women may affect its usage and success. Given this context, women may not always be able to independently choose to use it. If the DVR is approved and rolled out, increased sensitisation of men about it will be critical to ensure its uptake.

Keywords: Africa, decision-making, HIV prevention, microbicide ring, socio-ecological framework