Negative rumors about a vaginal ring for HIV-1 prevention in sub-Saharan Africa
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Date
2019
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
HHS Public Access
Abstract
Rumours may influence health-related behaviours, including uptake and adherence to HIV prevention products. This ASPIRE study assessed the safety and effectiveness of a vaginal ring delivering the antiretroviral dapivirine for HIV prevention in Africa. We explored negative rumours about study participation and the vaginal ring amongst study participants and their communities in Malawi, Uganda, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Two hundred and fourteen women participated in either single or serial in-depth interviews, or a focus group discussion. Three key findings emerged in the data. Firstly, rumours reflected fears concerning the ring and trial participation. Given the historical-political context of the countries in which the trial was conducted, the ring’s investigational nature and its foreign origin, ring use was rumoured to cause negative health outcomes such as cancer and infertility and was also associated with practices such as witchcraft or Satanism; salience of these rumours varied by country. Secondly, rumours reportedly affected participants’ adherence to the ring, and other women’s willingness to participate in the study. Finally, participants reported that participant engagement activities helped address rumours, resulting in enhanced trust and rapport between staff and participants.
Description
Keywords
Adherence, HIV prevention, Rumours, Satanism, Vaginal ring, Witchcraft
Citation
Chitukuta, M., Duby, Z., Katz, A., Nakyanzi, T., Reddy, K., Palanee-Phillips, T., ... & MTN-020/ASPIRE Study Team. (2019). Negative rumours about a vaginal ring for HIV-1 prevention in sub-Saharan Africa. Culture, health & sexuality, 21(11), 1209-1224. doi:10.1080/13691058.2018.1552989.