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Examining the context of microbicide acceptability among married women and men in India

Elizabeth E Tolley1, Eugenia Eng, Rewa Kohli

  • 1Behavioral and Social Science Research Unit, Family Health International, Durham, NC 27713, USA. btolley@fhi.org

Culture, Health & Sexuality
|July 19, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Married Indian women face HIV risks from partners. Topical microbicides offer protection, but women

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Social Sciences

Background:

  • Married women in India are increasingly vulnerable to HIV infection.
  • Husbands' extramarital sexual behavior is a primary driver of HIV risk for women.
  • Topical microbicides present a potential HIV prevention tool for women unable to negotiate condom use.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore determinants of microbicide acceptability among married Indian women.
  • To examine perceptions of HIV risk, couple harmony, sexual power, and control.
  • To inform the development of psychometric scales for these constructs.

Main Methods:

  • In-depth interviews were conducted with high-risk and low-risk married women and their husbands.
  • Participants' perceptions of microbicide acceptability were explored in the context of their relationships and HIV risk.
  • Some participants had prior experience with a microbicide safety trial.

Main Results:

  • Women's perceptions of control and sexual power significantly influenced their attitudes toward microbicide use.
  • Marital disharmony was commonly identified as an indicator of HIV risk, linked to partner infidelity.
  • High-risk women often denied perceived HIV risk until presented with direct evidence of partner infection.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding women's perceptions of control and power is crucial for microbicide acceptance.
  • Addressing marital dynamics and improving HIV risk perception are vital for prevention strategies.
  • This research provides a foundation for developing tools to measure key psychosocial factors influencing HIV prevention in married women.

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