Preferences about the characteristics of future HIV prevention products among men who have sex with men

M. Rader, G. Marks, G. Mansergh

This study of men who sex with men (MSM) examined preferences about the characteristics of a potential product for preventing sexual transmission of HIV, such as a rectal microbicide. Men with negative attitudes about using condoms to prevent HIV infection were more likely than their counterparts to prefer a product that does not reduce sexual tension or pleasure, does not break the mood, and can be used after a sexual encounter ends. A similar pattern was observed when participants were stratified by whether or not they had engaged in unprotected anal intercourse in the past 12 months.