High acceptability of a contraceptive vaginal ring among women in Kigali, Rwanda



Kestelyn, Evelyne, Van Nuil, Jennifer Ilo, Umulisa, Marie Michelle, Umutoni, Grace, Uwingabire, Alice, Mwambarangwe, Lambert, Uwineza, Mireille, Agaba, Stephen, Crucitti, Tania, van de Wijgert, Janneke ORCID: 0000-0003-2728-4560
et al (show 1 more authors) (2018) High acceptability of a contraceptive vaginal ring among women in Kigali, Rwanda. PLOS ONE, 13 (6). e0199096-.

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Abstract

<h4>Background</h4>Introduction of contraceptive vaginal rings (CVRs) could expand the contraceptive method mix reducing the unmet need for family planning in Rwanda, but data on acceptability of CVRs from low and middle-income countries are lacking.<h4>Methods</h4>This study explores acceptability of contraceptive vaginal ring (NuvaRing) use in Kigali, Rwanda using a mixed methods approach. We collected quantitative and qualitative data before, during and after conducting a clinical trial, using Case Report Forms, Interviewer Administered Questionnaires, In Depth Interviews and Focus Group Discussions. We analyzed the data using an existing theoretical framework including product attributes, relationship attributes and sexual encounter attributes as well as the contextual environment.<h4>Results</h4>Our data showed that initial worries reduced over time with actual ring use and ring insertions and removals were described as easy. Most women did not feel the ring during daily activities, appreciated the lack of perceived negative side effects and the increased lubrication. Relationship attributes and sexual encounter attributes such as sexual comfort played a significant role in ring acceptability of the participants and their partners. The contextual environment including Rwandan cultural norms around sexuality positively influenced the acceptance of the NuvaRing. Overall satisfaction was high.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Acceptability of the Nuvaring was high among study participants and represents a promising option that could contribute to lowering the unmet need for family planning in Rwanda.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Ring Plus Study Group, Humans, Focus Groups, Contraceptive Devices, Female, Contraception Behavior, Developing Countries, Adult, Patient Acceptance of Health Care, Rwanda, Female, Interviews as Topic, Surveys and Questionnaires
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 02 Jul 2018 06:28
Last Modified: 19 Jan 2023 01:31
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199096
Open Access URL: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.137...
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URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3023235