FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 9, 2001

SOUTH AFRICAN MEN WOULD CHOOSE VAGINAL MICROBICIDES OVER CONDOMS TO PREVENT SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE

Eighty-two percent of South African men who participated in a recent survey indicated they would prefer to use a vaginal microbicide to using condoms, according to findings reported in "The Acceptability of a Vaginal Microbicide Among South African Men." The analysis, by Gita Ramjee et al. of the HIV Prevention and Vaccine Research Unit of the Medical Research Council in Durban, South Africa, found that more than four-fifths of men studied reported wanting their partner to use some form of protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and most believe that women have a right to protect themselves from infection with HIV and other STDs. The large majority of survey respondents would like their partners to use a vaginal microbicide if one becomes available.

The analysis, published in the December 2001 issue of International Family Planning Perspectives, the Institute's quarterly, peer-reviewed journal, is based on a 1999 survey of men in three South African cities, recruited from STD clinics, the general population and universities. According to the analysis, 62% of men surveyed were aware that condom use could prevent HIV infection, but 58% disliked using condoms.

Ramjee's analysis shows that it is important to men that microbicide products not interfere with their sexual pleasure or increase lubrication in their partner's vagina. Men also indicated a desire to be involved in their partner's decision to use a microbicide. In addition, the majority of men reported that they would prefer a product that prevents STD infection only, rather than one that acts as a contraceptive, reflecting the high value placed on fertility in many African countries.

The authors note that the study is limited because men's acceptance of vaginal microbicides in this study is based on hypothetical use of a hypothetical product, as microbicides are still in the clinical trial phase of development. Actual acceptability of the product may differ after men use such a product.

The December issue of International Family Planning Perspectives also includes:

• "Why are Condoms Used, and How Many Are Needed? Estimates from Orissa, India," by Martine Collumbien, Braj Das and Oona M.R. Campbell;

• "Gender Differences in Adult Perspectives on Adolescent Reproductive Behaviors: Evidence from Lomé, Tog—," by Ilene S. Speizer, Stephanie A. Mullen and Kodjopatapa Amégee;

• "The Impact of a Regional Family Planning Service Promotion Initiative in Sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from Cameroon," by Stella Babalola, Cluadia Vondrasek, Jane Brown and Regina Traoré;

• "The Persistence of a Service Delivery 'Culture': Findings from a Qualitative Study on Bangladesh," by Sidney Ruth Schuler, Lisa M. Bates and Md. Khairul Islam; and

• "Strategies for Detection of Sexually Transmitted Infection Among Family Planning Clients in Jamaica," by Elizabeth Ward, Alan Spruyt, Laurie Fox, Laura Johnson, Emelita Wong, Frieda Behets, J. Peter Figueroa and Jo Morris.

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