Willingness to use rectal microbicides for HIV prevention among HIV- negative Argentinean MSM. Differences according to formulation

PANDO MA; CARBALLO DIÉGUEZ A; BALAN I; DOLEZAL C; MARONE R; BARREDA V; AVILA M

Barcelona

Conferencia; AIDS Vaccine Conference,; 2013

Objective: To explore the willingness to use rectal microbicides for HIV prevention among MSM reporting HIV-negative status.  Methods: During 2006-2009 a sample of 500 MSM was recruited through Respondent Driven Sampling for an HIV prevalence/incidence study. Microbicide acceptability was assessed using three 10-point Likert-type questions inquiring whether the respondent would be willing to use a microbice 1)in general, 2)formulated as a suppository, and 3)formulated as a gel/lubricant. Possible responses ranged from 1(completely unwilling) to 10(completely willing). Participants underwent a consent process and responded to a survey that included demographic and behavior information. Data was weighted prior to analyses.  Results: Among 411 MSM reporting to be HIV negative, median score for microbicide acceptability was 8.0, with greater willingness to use a ?gel? than a ?suppository? (7.0 vs. 5.0).  Comparing men who only have sex with men vs. those who also have sex with women and/or trans partners, the former expressed higher acceptability in general (10 vs. 5, p<0.001), for gel (10 vs. 5, p<0.001) and for suppository (8 vs. 2, p<0.001). Acceptability was significantly higher among men with high school level than among those with lower formal education level (in general: 10 vs. 5, p=0.002; gel: 10 vs. 5, p=0.003 and suppository: 7 vs. 2, p=0.001). A trend toward lower acceptability was found among MSM who reported not using condoms during sexual intercourse (including receptive or insertive anal or vaginal sex with men, trans or women) during the past two months. Acceptability was significantly lower among those who do not consider probable the use of a rapid HIV self-test, in case it became available.  Conclusions: Results showed high acceptability of microbicides, especially for gel formulation. MSM not willing to use microbicides were also likely to not accept other prevention strategies, like condoms or using rapid self tests prior to intercourse.