South Africa has the highest prevalence of HIV in the world, with young black women at greatest risk of infection. New protective biotechnologies continue to be developed, including an intravaginal ring (IVR) that releases antiretroviral medications over a four-week period. An IVR is currently under development that could protect against HIV, STIs, and pregnancy concurrently. However, uptake and adherence to this product is unknown. This project explored access and acceptability by interviewing 28 at-risk women and men in Cape Town and consulting with five stakeholders. Data revealed that familiarity with similar intravaginal products (tampons, female condoms), relationship dynamics, and product distribution channels must be considered as IVR products undergo further development.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Matsumoto, Shion
• Lech, David
• Roane, Abigail Rose
• Bowen, Josephine

Subject

• Well-Being
• Health
• Learning
• Community

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-121417-014811

Keyword

• Public health
• Women--Health

Advisor

• Bulled, Nicola
• Skorinko, Jeanine LM

Year

• 2017

Center

• Cape Town, South Africa Project Center - IQP

Sponsor

• Sizakuyenza

Date created

• 2017-12-14

Location

• Cape Town

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Rights statement

• In Copyright