Hygiene, Blood Flow, and Vaginal Overload: Why Women Removed an HIV Prevention Vaginal Ring During Menstruation in Malawi, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe

Experiences and attitudes towards Menstrual Suppression among Women with Bacterial vaginosis Randomised to Continuous Use of NuvaRing in Kenya

Background

The contraceptive vaginal ring (NuvaRing), one of the Multipurpose Prevention Technologies (MPT) products, is effective in preventing unintended pregnancies and may contribute to reducing the frequency of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), which is a risk factor for HIV acquisition, transmission, and shedding among women. NuvaRing may cause irregular menstruation, including menstrual suppression, which may influence women's decision on product choice, use, and acceptability. In this prospective cohort study, we assessed women's experiences with menstruation suppression following continued NuvaRing use.

Methods

A total of 18 in-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide among purposively selected women with BV in Thika, Kenya, aged 18-40 years, who used NuvaRing continuously. All women received counseling on possibility of menstrual suppression following continuous NuvaRing use. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed.

Results

Participants who expected and were aware that menstrual suppression was a possible side effect of Nuvaring accepted its benefits, and expressed acceptance and desire to continue using NuvaRing. Participants who had not anticipated menstrual suppression expressed anxiety and fear, with some expressing desire to continue using NuvaRing but worried about unintended negative consequences. The ability to perform daily activities uninterrupted, reduced expenses on sanitary supplies, enhanced sexual pleasure and relationships, and absence of menstrual pain were benefits of menstrual suppression. Although all participants received counseling on menstrual suppression, some expressed anxiety over the possibility of unintended pregnancy. As a result, they frequented medical facilities for health check-ups and pregnancy tests, and some used combined oral contraceptives to induce menses.

Conclusion

Understanding perceptions regarding menstrual suppression is crucial in offering targeted and comprehensive counseling to improve women's understanding of menstruation suppression to influence acceptance and use of NuvaRing. Additionally, improved male involvement in reproductive health concerns and women's autonomy in discussing reproductive health issues with partners is essential.

Patterns of Adherence to a Dapivirine Vaginal Ring for HIV-1 Prevention Among South African Women in a Phase III Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Persistent use of HIV prevention methods can be a challenge, particularly for some younger women. The long-acting, discreet, woman-centric dapivirine vaginal ring offers promise as a prevention method with less user burden, which could support continued use. We assessed dapivirine vaginal ring use to understand adherence patterns and identify characteristics influencing patterns.

SETTING

Participants enrolled in South Africa in the MTN-020/ASPIRE randomized placebo-controlled trial.

METHODS

We used group-based trajectory modeling to identify clusters of participants with similar longitudinal patterns of adherence in the last year of participation and potential predictors of group membership. Women with at least 1 year of follow-up were included (n = 626).

RESULTS

Five adherence patterns were identified: (1) consistently high, 34%, (2) consistently moderate, 34%, (3) consistently low, 16%, (4) decreasing, 9%, and (5) increasing, 7%. Women younger than 22 years [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.8, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0 to 3.0], using an intrauterine device (AOR 3.3, 95% CI: 1.4 to 7.8) or oral contraceptives (AOR 3.9, 95% CI: 1.7 to 8.9), experiencing menses (AOR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1 to 3.0), and who reported inconsistent condom use (AOR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.0 to 3.3) were more likely to be classified as consistently low compared to consistently high (referent).

CONCLUSIONS

Most South African women successfully persisted with a moderate or high level of use. Encouraging ring replacement with completion of menses may help to decrease concerns about hygiene and improve persistence. Associations between contraception and persistent low adherence suggest efforts may be needed to ensure contraceptive method choice does not interfere with ring use.

Acceptability and Preference for 3-Month Versus 1-Month Vaginal Rings for HIV-1 Risk Reduction Among Participants in a Phase 1 Trial

Background: The monthly dapivirine vaginal ring provides partial protection against HIV, and a longer duration ring may reduce user burden and improve adherence. We examined acceptability and preference for 3-month versus 1-month rings for HIV-1 risk reduction in a phase 1 clinical trial. Materials and Methods: In Microbicide Trials Network-036/International Partnership for Microbicides 047, 49 HIV-negative participants aged 18-45 were randomized to one of two 3-month rings or the 1-month ring. Acceptability ratings were collected at enrollment, week 4, and study exit (week 13). At exit, ring preference was assessed quantitatively among all participants and a randomly selected subset of 24 participants completed in-depth interviews. Quantitative and qualitative findings were integrated to explore factors influencing acceptability and preference. Results: Acceptability of each ring was initially moderate and increased during the trial. Ratings were lower in the 3-month ring arms than the 1-month arm at each time point, including baseline. Most participants (34/47; 72%) preferred a 3-month ring at exit; however, this proportion was significantly lower within some subgroups characterized by site, education, race/ethnicity, and experiences with ring use. Qualitative interviews revealed reservations about hygiene and safety of the 3-month ring, including discomfort with use during menses, but these were usually outweighed by its increased convenience. Conclusions: Both ring durations were highly acceptable at study exit. Although most participants preferred a 3-month ring, preference was more divided in certain subgroups, highlighting the benefit of offering different duration options. Providing additional support to address concerns about hygiene and safety may improve acceptability of a 3-month vaginal ring.

Color, Scent and Size: Exploring Women's Preferences Around Design Characteristics of Drug-Releasing Vaginal Rings

Steroid-releasing vaginal rings are available for contraception and estrogen replacement therapy, and a new antiretroviral-releasing ring was recently approved for HIV prevention. Marketed rings are white or transparent in appearance, non-scented, and supplied as one-size-fits-all devices with diameters ranging from 54 to 56 mm. In this study, drug-free silicone elastomer rings were manufactured in different sizes, colors and scents, and the opinions/preferences of 16 women (eThekwini District, South Africa; 20–34 years) assessed through focus group discussions and thematic analysis. Opinions varied on ring color and scent, with some women preferring specific colors or scent intensities, while for others these attributes were unimportant. Concerns about color and scent were linked to perceptions around vaginal health and safety related to chemical composition. There was greater agreement on preferred ring size; flexibility and width were considered important factors for insertion and comfort. Greater choice with ring products could facilitate acceptability and overall uptake.

Correlates of Adherence to the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring for HIV-1 Prevention

Understanding characteristics associated with adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) methods for HIV-1 prevention may assist with optimizing implementation efforts. The dapivirine vaginal ring is a novel topical PrEP delivery method. Using data from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III trial of the dapivirine vaginal ring conducted in four African countries, generalized estimating equation models were used to evaluate correlates of ring adherence. Two levels of quarterly dapivirine blood plasma, and dapivirine released from returned rings defined measures of adherence for recent and cumulative use, respectively. Time on study, calendar time, primary partner knowledge that the participant was taking part in the study, and use of long-acting contraceptive methods were associated with ring adherence whereas younger age, ring worries, condom use, episodes of menstrual bleeding and vaginal washing were associated with non-adherence. These findings may be useful for recruitment into future clinical studies and dapivirine ring implementation efforts.

Phase 1 pharmacokinetics and safety study of extended duration dapivirine vaginal rings in the United States

INTRODUCTION

Vaginal rings are a promising approach to provide a woman-centred, long-acting HIV prevention strategy. Prior trials of a 25 mg dapivirine (DPV) ring have shown a favourable safety profile and approximately 30% risk reduction of HIV-1 infection. Extended duration rings replaced every three months may encourage user adherence, improve health service efficiency and reduce cost overall. We evaluated safety, pharmacokinetics, adherence and acceptability of two three-month rings with different DPV dosages, compared with the monthly DPV ring.

METHODS

From December 2017 to October 2018, MTN-036/IPM-047 enrolled 49 HIV-negative participant in Birmingham, Alabama and San Francisco, California into a phase 1, randomized trial comparing two extended duration (three-month) rings (100 or 200 mg DPV) to a monthly 25 mg DPV ring, each used over 13 weeks, with follow-up completed in January 2019. Safety was assessed by recording adverse events (AEs). DPV concentrations were quantified in plasma, cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) and cervical tissue, at nominal timepoints. Geometric mean ratios (GMRs) relative to the comparator ring were estimated from a regression model.

RESULTS

There were no differences in the proportion of participants with grade ≥2 genitourinary AEs or grade ≥3 AEs in the extended duration versus monthly ring arms (p = 1.0). Plasma and CVF DPV concentrations were higher in the extended duration rings compared to the monthly ring. Plasma GMRs were 1.31 to 1.85 and 1.41 to 1.86 and CVF GMRs were 1.45 to 2.87 and 1.74 to 2.60 for the 100 and 200 mg ring respectively. Cervical tissue concentrations were consistently higher in the 200 mg ring (GMRs 2.36 to 3.97). The majority of participants (82%) were fully adherent (ring inserted at all times, with no product discontinuations/outages) with no differences between the monthly versus three-month rings. Most participants found the ring acceptable (median = 8 on 10-point Likert scale), with a greater proportion of participants reporting high acceptability (9 or 10) in the 25 mg arm (73%) compared with the 100 mg (25%) and 200 mg (44%) arms (p = 0.01 and p = 0.15 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The extended duration DPV rings were well-tolerated and achieved higher DPV concentrations compared with the monthly DPV ring. These findings support further evaluation of three-month DPV rings for HIV prevention.

Use of simulated vaginal and menstrual fluids to model in vivo discolouration of silicone elastomer vaginal rings

Vaginal rings releasing antiretrovirals – either alone or in combination with contraceptive progestins – are being developed for prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission via vaginal sex. Following Phase I trials, significant discolouration was observed on the surface of investigational silicone elastomer antiretroviral-contraceptive matrix-type vaginal rings containing either 25 mg dapivirine or 200 mg dapivirine plus levonorgestrel. In this study, potential causes of the discolouration have been assessed in vitro using simulated vaginal and menstrual fluids (SVF and SMF, respectively) to model in vivo exposure. The fluid compositions also included hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), hydrogen peroxide plus a copper intrauterine device (IUD), or synthetic dyes (representing personal care and household cleaning products). No discolouration was observed for rings exposed to SVF + hydrogen peroxide (with or without an IUD). However, the SVF + dye compositions showed significant ring discolouration, with staining patterns similar to those observed with rings that had been exposed to highly-coloured personal care and household cleaning products during clinical trial use. Exposure of rings to SMF compositions invariably caused yellow surface discolouration, dark spotting and markings, similar to the staining patterns observed following clinical use. The darker marks on the ring surface were identified as blood debris derived from the SMF. The study indicates that surface discolouration of rings in vivo can be attributed to exposure to menstrual fluid or highly coloured personal care or household cleaning products. Discolouration of the rings was not associated with any specific safety risks for the user, though severe discolouration could potentially impact acceptability and adherence.

Qualitative Perceptions of Dapivirine VR Adherence and Drug Level Feedback Following an Open-Label Extension Trial

BACKGROUND

There continues to be a need for HIV prevention options that women can initiate and use autonomously. The dapivirine vaginal ring (VR) has been shown to have a favorable safety profile and reduce the risk of HIV-1 acquisition. We report on women's experiences with VR adherence during the MTN-025/HIV Open-label Prevention Extension (HOPE) study and responses to Residual Drug Level (RDL) results.

SETTING

Ten women at each of the 6 HOPE research sites in Lilongwe, Malawi; Durban (2 sites) and Johannesburg, South Africa; Kampala, Uganda; and Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe, were randomly selected (n = 60).

METHODS

After confirmation of eligibility criteria, in-depth interviews were conducted where available RDL results were presented.

RESULTS

Many women with low RDL release measurements deflected blame onto other factors (the ring, the drug, and faulty testing machines) and distrust of the testing method. The disclosure of RDL results enabled some users to discuss their challenges experienced (fear of partner objections, perceived side effects, and removals during menses). Consistent users reported important motivators (support from others, protection from HIV, and enhanced sexual experiences from the VR).

CONCLUSION

The VR provided a sense of security for some women; however, adherence was still challenging for others regardless of it being a female controlled, long-acting HIV prevention technology. Adherence measurements may not be sustainable in the real-world implementation of the VR, although they can be seen as a benefit as they provide a better understanding of actual product use and provide women with a platform to discuss their experiences.

Long-acting approaches for delivery of antiretroviral drugs for prevention and treatment of HIV: a review of recent research

INTRODUCTION

Despite significant advances in treatment and prevention of HIV-1 infection, poor adherence to daily combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens remains a major obstacle toward achieving sustained viral suppression and prevention. Adherence to ART could also be compromised by adverse drug reactions and societal factors that limit access to therapy. Therefore, medicines that aim to improve adherence by limiting ART side effects, frequency of dosing and socially acceptable regimens are becoming more attractive.

AREAS COVERED

This review highlights recent advances and challenges in the development of long-acting drug delivery strategies for HIV prevention and treatment. Approaches for extended oral and transdermal deliveries, microbicides, broadly neutralizing antibodies, and long-acting implantable and injectable deliveries are reviewed.

EXPERT OPINION

Emerging approaches on long-acting antiretroviral therapies and broadly neutralizing antibody technologies are currently at various stages of development. Such efforts, if successful and become broadly accepted by clinicians and users, will provide newer and simpler options for prevention and treatment of HIV infection.

The Power of the Shared Experience: MTN-020/ASPIRE Trial Participants' Descriptions of Peer Influence on Acceptability of and Adherence to the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring for HIV Prevention

Women are disproportionately at risk of acquiring HIV in East and Southern Africa, despite global declines in incidence. Female-initiated HIV prevention methods, like the dapivirine vaginal ring, are needed to end the HIV epidemic. In-depth interviews and focus groups retrospectively explored peer influence on acceptability of and adherence to the ring during the ASPIRE trial, a phase III placebo-controlled trial. Results were analyzed using an inductive analytic approach. Study participants (peers) of all ages and adherence groups developed important interpersonal connections and reported being more open and honest with each other than with external peers or study staff. Study peers who knew each other prior to joining appeared to have a stronger influence on each other's adherence than peers who met in the study. External peers provided primarily negative input about the ring and study, which sometimes led to ring removals. Peers' influence on each other's behavior in both prosocial and detrimental manners could have repercussions on adherence to a biomedical intervention, and consequently, individual disease risk and clinical trial outcomes. Future ring demonstration and implementation studies could use peer networks to intentionally influence uptake and adherence to the ring.

Power, danger, and secrecy-A socio-cultural examination of menstrual waste management in urban Malawi

Menstrual blood is not just a physical substance; it is laden with symbolism and often powerfully stigmatised. It is important to understand local perceptions and attitudes towards menstrual blood, as well as the preferred practices of menstruating women, in order to design appropriate sanitation and solid waste systems to support menstruation. Failure to take account of socio-cultural factors can jeopardise the effectiveness of such infrastructure. This study, conducted in Blantyre, Malawi, is a qualitative socio-cultural examination of how women manage and view menstruation. Thirty nine interviews, conducted with individuals and with small groups of friends, were carried out with thirty one women using pit latrines, flush toilets, and urine-diverting dry toilets in early 2019. Menstruation in Blantyre was found to be shrouded in secrecy because it was viewed as ‘dirty’, and therefore remained concealed. There was widespread anxiety about menstrual blood being used in ufiti (witchcraft), which affected how women used and disposed of their menstrual absorbents. At the same time, menstrual blood was also viewed as a powerful healing substance with uses in traditional medicine. The type of infrastructure required by women to support their menstruation depended on the type of menstrual absorbent used. Those using reusable cloth generally preferred a private bathroom with discreet drainage, whilst those using disposable pads needed a discreet and convenient disposal system. Increased preference for disposable pads over reusable cloth (particularly for younger women in education or employment) suggested that menstrual waste profiles of urban areas may be changing. Understanding these changing needs will be crucial for planning effective, sustainable waste disposal and sanitation infrastructure.

Impact of Male Partner Involvement on Women's Adherence to the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring During a Phase III HIV Prevention Trial

Although vaginal microbicides for HIV prevention are designed to be female-initiated, male partner influence has been identified as one of the most significant factors impacting women's willingness and ability to use them. As a result, research teams have sought to increase male partner involvement by encouraging disclosure of product use to male partners, promoting male partner engagement in the study through attendance at the study clinic, and helping women to garner male partner support for product use. This paper aims to assess the impact of these three elements of male partner involvement on women's adherence to the dapivirine vaginal ring during MTN-020/ASPIRE, a phase III randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 2629 women in Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. During the study, 64-80% of participants reported disclosure of ring use at each quarterly visit, and 13% reported that their partners had attended the study clinic at some point during the study. At study exit, 66% reported that their partner was supportive, 18% unsupportive, and 17% were unsure. After adjusting for age, site and time in study, women were more likely to have low ring adherence if they had an unsupportive male partner (aRR 1.29, 95% CI 1.03-1.62). Neither disclosure nor clinic attendance directly predicted ring adherence, but disclosure increased the probability of having a supportive partner (aRRR 24.17, 95% CI 16.38-35.66) or an unsupportive partner (aRRR 4.10, 95% CI 2.70-6.24), relative to an unknown level of partner support. Women were also more likely to have a supportive partner if their partner had attended the clinic (aRRR 3.77, 95% CI 1.36-10.42). This study suggests that although the vaginal ring is relatively discreet, lack of support from male partners remains a relevant barrier to use. Though both disclosure and clinic attendance may increase partner support, disclosure may also increase partner opposition. Interventions to reduce male partner opposition are needed to maximize the potential impact of the ring and other PrEP products for HIV prevention.

Vaginal ring acceptability and related preferences among women in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and narrative synthesis

The vaginal ring (VR) is a female-initiated drug-delivery platform used for different indications, including HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We conducted a systematic review of VR acceptability, values and preferences among women in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) to inform further investment and/or guidance on VR use for HIV prevention. Following PRISMA guidelines, we used structured methods to search, screen, and extract data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies reporting quantitative outcomes of acceptability of the VR for any indication published 1/1970-2/2019 (PROSPERO: CRD42019122220). Of 1,110 records identified, 68 met inclusion criteria. Studies included women 15-50+ years from 25 LMIC for indications including HIV prevention, contraception, abnormal bleeding, and menopause. Overall VR acceptability was high (71-98% across RCTs; 62-100% across observational studies), with 80-100% continuation rates in RCTs and favorable ease of insertion (greater than 85%) and removal 89-99%). Users reported concerns about the VR getting lost in the body (8-43%), although actual expulsions and adverse events were generally infrequent. Most women disclosed use to partners, with some worrying about partner anger/violence. The VR was not felt during intercourse by 70-92% of users and 48-97% of partners. Acceptability improved over time both within studies (as women gained VR experience and worries diminished), and over chronological time (as the device was popularized). Women expressed preferences for accessible, long-acting, partner-approved methods that prevent both HIV and pregnancy, can be used without partner knowledge, and have no impact on sex and few side effects. This review was limited by a lack of standardization of acceptability measures and study heterogeneity. This systematic review suggests that most LMIC women users have a positive view of the VR that increases with familiarity of use; and, that many would consider the VR an acceptable future delivery device for HIV prevention or other indications.