New HIV Prevention Technologies: Knowledge and Perceived Usage by HIV-discordant and Concordant Couple with Risk Behaviour a Qualitative Study in Tamil Nadu. India

Abstract

New HIV prevention technologies include vaccines, microbicides, female condoms and others that may also provide protection from unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A qualitative study was conducted among HIV-discordant and HIV- concordant couples who were selected purposively from December 2012 to June 2014.  The data were collected through in-depth interviews with HIV- discordant couples (n=8) and HIV- concordant couples (n=8). The couples were aware of all the risks involved in not using any prevention methods; some of them were able to mention about what they understood about a particular method, its usage, harm in not using, its availability and Government’s role in promotion. The couples provided information on their understanding, availability and usage of male and female condoms, microbicides and HIV vaccine, their belief on male circumcision and views on PrEP. Their requirements for new prevention technology (NPT) and multiple prevention technology (MPT) were also elicited. Thecouples with risk behavior preferred having MPT that would prevent pregnancy, STIs and HIV, which would be of good quality, easily available and accessible.

Keywords: New HIV prevention technology, Microbicide, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis