Integration of a Relationship-focused Counseling Intervention with Delivery of the Dapivirine Ring for HIV Prevention to Women in Johannesburg: Results of the CHARISMA Pilot Study.

ABSTRACT: Biomedical, female-initiated HIV prevention methods can help reduce disproportionately high HIV rates among women in sub-Saharan Africa, but male partner resistance and intimate partner violence (IPV) may impact ability to ensure effective use. To support consistent use of the dapivirine vaginal ring (VR), we pilot-tested the impact of the CHARISMA relationship counseling intervention ("CHARISMA") with women enrolled in the multi-site open-label Microbicide Trials Network (MTN) 025/HOPE trial at the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Research Institute (Wits RHI) site in Johannesburg, South Africa. Lay counselors used a 42-item tool with five subscales to assess relationships and IPV and provide tailored counseling at enrolment, followed by a booster counselling session at Month 1 and follow

SUBMITTER: Montgomery ET 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8840958 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature