SPERMICIDE ACCEPTABILITY AMONG PATIENTS AT A SEXUALLY-TRANSMITTED DISEASE CLINIC IN ZAMBIA

Objective. This study assessed the acceptability of three nonoxynol-9 spermicides among persons attending a sexually transmitted disease cli nic in Lusaka, Zambia. Methods. Spermicidal foam, suppositories, and f oaming tablets were evaluated. Women (n = 114) and men (n = 150) atten ding an sexually transmitted disease clinic were enrolled. After each participant used two products, each for 2 weeks, consistency of use an d acceptability were evaluated. Results. At admission, most women (74% ) and men (58%) were not using any family planning method. Moreover, m ost women (85%) and men (98%) had at least one sexually transmitted di sease or genital infection. During the study, the proportion of coital episodes protected by spermicide use was high, yet loss to follow-up and discontinuation were also substantial. Discontinuation was frequen tly unrelated to acceptability. Women and men rated all three products positively along several acceptability parameters. Foam was the least desirable delivery system due to excess messiness. Conclusions. The r esults of this study suggest that it is feasible to distribute spermic ides to women and men at increased risk for sexually transmitted disea se and that the products will be used. Further research should be done among different Populations and include other spermicidal delivery me chanisms.