Title: Subcutaneous Contraceptive and HIV Implant Engineered for Long-Acting Delivery (SCHIELD) in Multipurpose Prevention Technology (MPT): Evaluation of End-user Acceptability and Social Adoption Factors
Funded by: U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
Study Sponsor: RTI International
Study Sites: Setshaba Research Centre, Pangaea Zimbabwe AIDS Trust
Purpose: To conduct research activities to elicit end-users ‘ perspectives on preferred characteristics of the SCHIELD implant being developed for dual HIV prevention and contraception, the SCHIELD applicator system for inserting the implant, and considerations for future implementation within the existing health care system in South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Design: The study consisted of mixed-methods research in the form of focus group discussions (FGDs) with young women, in-depth interviews (IDIs) with health care providers and other key stakeholders, and quantitative assessments to inform the development of the SCHIELD implant. Study participants only viewed and touched implant prototypes – no products were inserted as part of the research.
Study Sites: Setshaba Research Centre (SRC), Soshanguve, South Africa
Pangaea Zimbabwe AIDS Trust (PZAT), Harare, Zimbabwe
Study Duration: From IRB approval to December 31, 2019
Study Objectives: To understand end-user preferences for SCHIELD implant attributes and social adoption factors that may affect uptake. The goal of this work was to gather end-user perspectives (both young women and health care providers) on the SCHIELD implant in development for dual contraception and HIV prevention at an early stage in product development, such that user feedback could be incorporated into the product design and influence future implementation. Primary objectives included:
1) Assess among young women (via FGD and quantitative surveys) their preferences for key SCHIELD implant attributes, social adoption factors, and acceptability.
2) Assess among health care providers and other key stakeholders (via IDI and quantitative surveys) their preferences for key SCHIELD implant attributes, social adoption factors, and acceptability.
Study Population: Young women ages 18-30, health care providers with previous experience inserting and removing contraceptive implants, and key stakeholders in Soshanguve (and surrounding catchment areas), South Africa, and Harare and Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe.
Study Outcomes: This research provided insight into South African and Zimbabwean end-user preferences for key attributes of the SCHIELD implant and other considerations relevant to future implementation of the implant in these two countries. The design of the prototype SCHIELD device, the applicator system, and key target product profile (TPP) attributes was optimized for future technology uptake by the incorporation of the perspectives of end-users and other relevant stakeholders.