Chioma Okere
Background: Vaginal microbicides, is a potentially important toolkit to stem the tide of sexually transmitted infection including HIV/AIDS globally. It is being presented as a female-initiated prevention method. Although it is still undergoing clinical trials, an acceptability research is critical in its developmental process. Aim:This study was conducted to determine the willingness to accept vaginal microbicides amongst students of the University of Ilorin. Material and Method: A descriptive cross sectional study in which multi-stage sampling technique was used to select respondents. Self-administered questionnaire was used as data collection instrument amongst 400 respondents that were recruited into the study. Results: About 232 (60%) of the respondents indicated interest in the use vaginal microbicides amongst which 104 (66%) perceived that it could be used without their partner’s knowledge while 209 (64%) felt it would help women be in control of protecting themselves. Factors identified to influence the interest and acceptability of vaginal microbicides include the past use of a protective measure during sexual activity 82 (77.4%), if the cost of vaginal microbicides is similar to that of condoms’ 168 (83%) and its availability over the counter 84 (87%). Conclusions: The study observed an above average willingness to accept and use vaginal microbicides and the factors that influenced its acceptability and use amongst students of University of Ilorin are affordable costs and availability.
