Ensuring Health Care Providers Have Comprehensive Communication Tools for Future Microbicide Introduction in Kenya: A Formative Research Study

As the field of HIV prevention advances and new antiretroviral (ARV)-based prevention products are developed, health care providers will play a critical role in promoting or limiting new product use. To provide evidence-based communication supporting potential product roll-out, we developed and assessed a suite of vaginal microbicide communication materials tailored to various Kenyan audiences. However, our materials could potentially be adapted for use with other ARV-based prevention products and settings. For health care providers, we developed three sets of materials: informational brochures, wall charts, and a counseling flip chart. Trained research assistants conducted 24 in-depth interviews with providers from a range of health facilities in Nairobi and Nakuru, Kenya. Interviews assessed providers’ current HIV counseling practices for women in different types of sexual relationships, attitudes toward vaginal microbicide gel, and thoughts on the content and usefulness of the microbicide communication materials; priority was given to the counseling flip chart. Interviews also included hypothetical counseling scenarios to assess providers’ potential to appropriately use materials and adapt their counseling techniques. Microbicide communication materials were well received and effective in educating providers about microbicides and in helping them provide appropriate counseling for hypothetical scenarios involving women in different sexual contexts.