Women are disproportionately at risk of acquiring HIV in East and Southern Africa, despite global declines in incidence. Female-initiated HIV prevention methods, like the dapivirine vaginal ring, are needed to end the HIV epidemic. In-depth interviews and focus groups retrospectively explored peer influence on acceptability of and adherence to the ring during the ASPIRE trial, a phase III placebo-controlled trial. Results were analyzed using an inductive analytic approach. Study participants (peers) of all ages and adherence groups developed important interpersonal connections and reported being more open and honest with each other than with external peers or study staff. Study peers who knew each other prior to joining appeared to have a stronger influence on each other's adherence than peers who met in the study. External peers provided primarily negative input about the ring and study, which sometimes led to ring removals. Peers' influence on each other's behavior in both prosocial and detrimental manners could have repercussions on adherence to a biomedical intervention, and consequently, individual disease risk and clinical trial outcomes. Future ring demonstration and implementation studies could use peer networks to intentionally influence uptake and adherence to the ring.
The power of the shared experience
MTN-020/ASPIRE trial participants' descriptions of peer influence on acceptability of and adherence to the dapivirine vaginal ring for HIV prevention
Katz, A. W. K., Naidoo, K., Reddy, K., Chitukuta, M., Nabukeera, J., Siva, S., Zimba, C., & Montgomery, E. T. (2020). The power of the shared experience: MTN-020/ASPIRE trial participants' descriptions of peer influence on acceptability of and adherence to the dapivirine vaginal ring for HIV prevention. AIDS and Behavior, 24(8), 2387-2399. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-020-02799-0
Abstract
Publications Info
To contact an RTI author, request a report, or for additional information about publications by our experts, send us your request.
Meet the Experts
View All ExpertsRecent Publications
Article
What's in a name? A data-driven method to identify optimal psychotherapy classifications to advance treatment research on co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorders
Article
Grandi Byen-supporting child growth and development through integrated, responsive parenting, nutrition and hygiene
Article
Effects of additional context information in prescription drug information sheets on comprehension and risk and efficacy perceptions
Patent