Preference for gel over suppository as delivery vehicle for a rectal microbicide: results of a randomised, crossover acceptability trial among men who have sex with men

Abstract

Objective: To assess whether men who have sex with men (MSM) prefer a gel or a suppository as a delivery vehicle for a rectal microbicide. Methods: 77 HIV-negative MSM with a recent history of inconsistent condom use during receptive anal intercourse (RAI) who acknowledged being at risk of contracting HIV were enrolled in a randomised, crossover acceptability trial. They compared 35 ml placebo gel with 8 g placebo rectal suppositories used on up to three RAI occasions each. Results: Participants preferred the gel over the suppository (75% versus 25%, pConclusions: In this sample taken from one of the populations most likely to benefit from rectal microbicide availability, gel had greater acceptability than a suppository as a potential microbicide vehicle.