Population Council Research that makes a difference

Abstract

Phase III microbicide trial methodology: Opinions of experienced expanded safety trial participants in South Africa (PDF) (HTML) 
van de Wijgert,Janneke; Jones,Heidi E.; Pistorius,Annalie; de Kock,Alana; Sebola,Mohlatlego H.; Friedland,Barbara A.; Hoosen,Anwar; Coetzee,Nicol
Journal of Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS 2(3): 311-319
Publication date: 2005

---

In preparation for effectiveness trials of candidate vaginal microbicides, scientists are debating trial design and implementation challenges, including choice of control arm(s), product-sharing across arms, and visit schedules. This study involved a survey of South African women participating in an expanded safety trial of the candidate microbicide Carraguard gel.The first 100 consenting women who attended the study clinics in Ga-Rankuwa and Gugulethu (total N = 200) were interviewed; all women had been using a study gel for at least 6 months at the time of the interview.The study found that many participants thought that including a condoms-only arm would result in increased product-sharing, male partner resistance to trial participation and decreased enrollment; no clear patterns emerged regarding the potential effect on condom use and cohort retention.The majority of women preferred a monthly visit schedule, would be willing to use a product for 2 years, and thought that their product use would not decrease over time.Thus flexibility in trial design and implementation strategies is needed until evidence-based decisions can be made.When including a condoms-only arm, extra efforts should be made to explain the importance of all study arms to potential participants and to measure adherence and product-sharing.

---