Topical Microbicides
Behavior and Microbicides
The NIAID Topical Microbicide Program has recognized the need to incorporate behavioral and social science research into the microbicide development process. Behavioral and social science research activities can be integrated into all levels of microbicide development, from baseline determinations of acceptability and potential use to collection of specific product use data in and out of clinical trials. Behavioral and social science research also plays a role in designing clinical trials to test microbicide efficacy. By identifying use behaviors or local practices, such as use of vaginal drying agents, that may affect an individual’s willingness to use a microbicide or that may influence the efficacy level of the microbicide itself, potential confounding factors can be addressed and minimized.