You have full access to this open access article. Pregnant and lactating persons in sub-Saharan Africa face a heightened risk of HIV acquisition, due to biological and behavioral factors, combined with limited access to prevention and treatment services. In a nested qualitative study within the MTN trial, we explored the acceptability of study products among pregnant persons in the second and early third trimesters.
Topics explored included product acceptability using the theoretical framework of acceptability , user experience, satisfaction, disclosure, community attitudes, and sexual activity during pregnancy.
Interview transcripts were analyzed using Dedoose software. We observed positive attitudes among participants towards the study products, which they found generally user-friendly, despite the added complexities of using them during pregnancy. Participants recognized that consistent and correct use would provide protection for both them and their unborn children.
Although initial concerns existed, most of these worries dissipated over time, with study staff support and increased product use experience. These findings emphasize the importance of continued surveillance, support, and education to ensure the successful rollout of new HIV prevention measures during pregnancy.
Pregnancy and lactation are periods that significantly increase risk of HIV acquisition in sub-Saharan Africa SSA , particularly since those periods [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ] might last many years. The combination of biological and behavioral factors, including the likelihood of sexually transmitted infections and limited access to HIV prevention and treatment services, contributes to increased risk during these times [ 1 , 5 , 6 , 7 ].
