Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
6
pubmed:dateCreated
2008-6-25
pubmed:abstractText
Microbicides are a class of substances under development that could reduce the sexual transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases when applied locally to genital mucosal surfaces. Microbicide acceptability research has largely focused on product characteristics, rather than processes of negotiation within relationships about use. Gender relations, decision-making power and communication within sexual relationships are recognised as important determinants of condom and contraceptive use, and are likely to determine microbicide use also. As part of social science research linked to the Microbicides Development Programme (MDP) we combine relationship-based theories with anthropological work conducted with women and men using a placebo gel. We explore communication and decision-making in gel and condom use, including constructions of risk and trust. During the MDP301 Phase III pilot study, in-depth interviews were conducted at sites in South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Following four weeks of placebo gel use, women and their partners were asked about gel use and acceptability, partner involvement, sexual practices and condom use. Data from 45 couples at five sites were analysed using a grounded theory approach in NVivo. Participation in the study did not require women to inform their partners, yet our data shows women seeking permission from their partners, negotiating disclosure, exchanging information and persuading or motivating for gel use. Although gel was supposedly 'woman-controlled', men exercised considerable influence in determining whether and how it was used. Despite this, negotiations around use were largely successful, since the gel increased sexual pleasure and provided opportunities for intimate communication and the building of trust. Decisions about condom and microbicide use are made in a dyadic context and involve a complex negotiation of risk and trust. Whilst preferences relating to product characteristics are largely individual, use itself is dependent on partnership dynamics and the broader social context in which sexual risk management occurs.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Jul
pubmed:issn
1360-0451
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Electronic
pubmed:volume
20
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
733-40
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
2008
pubmed:articleTitle
The role of partnership dynamics in determining the acceptability of condoms and microbicides.
pubmed:affiliation
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK. Catherine.montgomery@lshtm.ac.uk
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Clinical Trial, Phase III