Measurement of microbicide acceptability among US adolescent girls

Background and Objective: Topical microbicides will only be effective if they are acceptable to potential users. The purpose of this study is to develop a scale to evaluate characteristics and aspects of topical microbicides that are important to adolescent girls. Study Design: Girls (n = 207) completed a questionnaire on perceptions of microbicide-like products. Results: A principal components factor analysis with a varimax rotation produced a 6-factor solution. The mean factor scores suggested that girls saw the products positively. Age was positively correlated with comparison to condoms and comfort while using factor scores and inversely correlated with negative impact on interpersonal relationships factor score. Sexually transmitted infection (STI) history was related to higher scores on the health benefits and pleasure factors. Age, race/ethnicity, and STI history were not related to the other factor scores. Conclusion: The current scale shows promise in assessment of microbicide acceptability, and in general, girls expressed positive views about microbicides.