We explored the potential acceptability of three CB among sexually experienced, Zimbabwean young women.

Forty-five young women received an individual CB educational session. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the three CBs in a 1:1:1 ratio and practiced the insertion and removal of their device at the clinic. Participants were interviewed on their practice experiences and their post-practice attitudes towards CB.

Forty-five young women were willing and able to insert their assigned device. The majority reported “easy” insertion and removal, and 93% “liked” the instrument they tried. All showed interest in participating in future CB studies. The majority felt comfortable touching their genitals to insert/remove the CB, and most participants favored methods’ attributes associated with female-control and non-interference with sex. Over half the participants said they would prefer to use a CB continuously compared to episodic use. Two-thirds of them expressed interest in CB for dual protection.

The study concluded that CB’s concept and initial insertion experience were well accepted in this selected, small group of Zimbabwean young women. Evaluating CB in more extensive studies seems feasible in this population.

Reference: https://srh.bmj.com/content/36/1/13

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