The dapivirine vaginal ring from the perspective of married men in Uganda

Background: Men play a key role in influencing uptake of women’s health products, such as female condoms and vaginal microbicides used for family planning HIV prevention.Method: We explored men’s perceptions the dapivirine ring (DVR), microbicide, Kalungu District, rural south-western Uganda. In June/July 2018, we conducted in-depth interviews with 10 partners women participating DREAM study, phase 3B open-label extension trial DVR. Data were analysed thematically, drawing on socio-ecological model theoretical framework.Results: Influencing factors individual interpersonal characteristics, perception risk, lack knowledge about DVR, misconceptions, product characteristics acting at different levels (individual, societal organisational) affected knowledge, attitudes towards which turn impacted their willingness to allow use it. Above all, men wanted be involved decision- making process All happy that there was new prevention option pipeline not concerned degree effectiveness, saying it better than nothing.Conclusion: The DVR an environment where expect make decisions sex behalf may affect its usage success. Given this context, always able independently choose If is approved rolled out, increased sensitisation will critical ensure uptake.