Determination of multipurpose prevention technology choice for contraception and HIV/STI prevention: A survey of sexually active women in Nigeria

Abstract

Objectives: Interest in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prophylaxis in the context of multiple sexual and reproductive health risks women face suggests a place for multipurpose prevention techniques (MPTs), which act by combining contraception and pre-exposure prophylaxis against HIV into one unified delivery method. At present, condoms are a readily available form of MPTs. The study aims to determine the sexual characteristics of women in Nigeria and assess factors associated with MPT acceptance in the identified population. Materials and Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted using the data collection tool Google Forms®. The survey was distributed to the prospective respondents using the snowballing technique through an instant messaging application to ensure proper circulation among the geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Interest in MPT’s was evaluated using descriptive analysis. Specifically, personal and product attributes were evaluated descriptively (frequency and response rating) and with inferential statistics (logistic regression and model validation). Results: More than one-half (57%) of the participants were sexually active in the past three months. Most of the subjects reported at least one HIV risk behavior such as engaging in sexual intercourse with a male partner without a condom (50%). Factors associated with acceptance of MPTs included perceived safety, long-lasting action, and effectiveness of the formulation. Formulation types preferred by respondents include daily pills (21%), vaginal gels (12%), and inserts (8%). Personal characteristics supporting MPT use include age (30–39) and (40–49) years, married, formally educated, being a housewife, and having not had sexual intercourse with an HIV-positive male partner and having had an unintended pregnancy. Conclusion: Most of the respondents were interested in MPTs as a daily pill. Safety, long-lasting activity, and effectiveness are the top three criteria predicting acceptance. A variety of MPTs are required to be developed to suit the varying needs of different populations. The MPT preferences must be considered during product development to promote future acceptance among women in Nigeria.