Microbicides 2004 Microbicides 200428-31 March 2004, Hilton London MetropoleThe conference42 million men, women and children worldwide were living with HIV by the end of December 2002 (source: UNAIDS), including five million newly-infected during that year alone. Another 45 million people will become infected between 2002 and 2010, unless the current transmission rates can be vastly reduced. Of the 42 million, 29.4 million live in sub-Saharan Africa and 58% of them are women. Not only are women more susceptible to HIV infection, many are powerless to insist on the use of condoms or other methods of protecting themselves. In this context, and with the knowledge that an effective HIV vaccine is unlikely to be available for several years, the need for an effective topical microbicide grows ever more urgent. 2004 should prove to be a landmark year in the field of microbicide development as the first Phase III trials of novel products are due to start – the next step along the road to making a microbicide available to the millions worldwide in desperate need of protection.The aims of the Microbicides 2004 conference are to:Report novel or innovative work in the microbicides fieldProvide updates on recent microbicides research, divided into three tracks: basic science, clinical science, and behavioural science (including public health and the microbicide marketplace)Provide a forum for the discussion of new developments in microbicide research including ethical, clinical, behavioural and methodological issuesPresent opportunities for knowledge-sharing between microbicide researchers, public-health workers and advocacy organisations.There will be an opening ceremony on the evening of Sunday 28 March at which politicians, policy makers and the international media are expected. The conference will run for a full three days, each of which will contain:Scientific overviews and presentations with plenary sessions, invited lecturers and presentations of original researchWorkshops to review issues unique to microbicides such as trial design and outcome measures, and ethical issues in the clinical trials of microbicidesPoster sessions. Focus on LondonFollowing the successful Microbicides conferences in Washington in 2000 and Antwerp in 2002, March 2004 sees the focus move to London.The venue is the Hilton Metropole Hotel, two minutes by taxi from Paddington station and the Heathrow Express, with a journey time from the airport of 15 minutes. The hotel is in walking distance of Hyde Park and London’s main shopping streets, and close to Imperial College. Accommodation will be available at the venue and other hotels in the vicinity.London in March offers a variety of diversions for out-of-conference relaxation, including sight-seeing and shopping; the arts and the theatre; and pubs, clubs and restaurants to suit every taste. Conference staff will be on hand to help delegates plan their spare time.To book your place or find out more information, e-mail info@microbicides2004.org.uk or telephone the Event Office on +44 (0) 20 7720 4411
Oral: invited speaker Oral: Track A Oral: Track B Oral: Track C Poster: Track A Poster: Track B Poster: Track C Abstract only Authors

02638 DISCLOSURE OF STUDY PARTICIPATION AND HIV STATUS AMONG WOMEN IN A MICROBICIDE FEASIBILITY STUDY

McGrath, Nuala
Hosegood, V.,
Africa Centre For Health and Population Studies, Somkhele, KZN, S.Africa; MRC/DfID Microbicides Development Programme

Background: We hypothesize that women who feel unable to tell their partners that they are particpating in a study that involves testing for HIV and other STDs, may experience difficulties in negotiating the use of a microbide gel in a Phase III trial. We consider the advantages of using such factors to identify women who may need additional support during the trial around gel use.

Objectives: To investigate whether women in a microbicide feasibility study, in rural KZN, S. Africa, disclose their study participation and HIV status to partners and family and to explore characteristics of that disclosure. In addition, we will explore demographic and socio-economic data, and data on individual knowledge and awareness of HIV, associated with disclosure.

Methods: Women returning for their follow up visits are interviewed by counsellors about disclosure of their study participation and HIV status using questionnaires. Approximately 10% of the women enrolled are HIV positive. Logistic regression will be used to explore associated factors with disclosure.

Results: Data will be available for 300 women, currently available for 82 women. Preliminary results suggest that after 2 weeks, 15% of HIV negative women had not told anyone they were participating. An additional 27% had not told their partner but had told someone else. Meanwhile, the majority of women choose to disclose their HIV status immediately. HIV negative women are more likely to disclose than positive women, they also tell more people. Of the positive women that have disclosed (5/9) to date, there were no reports of blame, violence or abandonment, suggesting positive women who choose to disclose seem able to correctly assess suitable confidants.

Dr. Nuala McGrath
PO Box 198, Mtubatuba, KZN 3935. S. Africa
(Telephone) +27 (0)35 550 7538 (Fax) +27(0)35 550 7565 (E-mail) nmcgrath@africacentre.ac.za