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

02356 EVALUATION OF KNOWLEDGE AND ACCEPTABILITY OF MICROBICIDES BY COMMERCIAL SEX WORKERS IN LAGOS

Ekong, Ernest*
Akinlade, O**; Idehen, C*; Igbu, T***; Sobowale, Y*; Uwah, A****
* Department of Medicine, Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Yabaa, Lagos, Nigeria. ** Nigerian Medical Association, Luth Library, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria: *** World Health Organization, Yenogoa, Bayelsa, Nigeria; **** Public Health Laboratory, Yaba Bus Stop, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria.

Background:
There is widespread interest and hope in a safe and effective microbicide as a potential way of prevention of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS.

Objective:
To evaluate the knowledge of, and acceptability of microbicides by female commercial sex workers in Lagos, and to assess their willingness to participate in trials involving microbicides

Methods:
Data was derived from a multicentric cohort of female commercial sex workers, through focus group discussions, individual interviews, and use of structured questionnaires covering socio-demographic data including age, religion, marital status, parity, education, and “primary occupation”. Sexual health and vaginal practices, HIV/STDs status and knowledge, types of microbicides known/used, reasons for use and specific beliefs, as well as readiness or willingness to participate in any trial were evaluated.

Results:
Total numbers of 851 females, mean age 24+ 11years, 28% married, 32% were graduates, 45% high school certificates, while 23% had primary education. On knowledge of microbicides, products identified include foaming tablets, gels, antiseptics, antifungal creams and ointments, antibiotic powders, douches, vaginal tablets, petroleum jelly, ‘alum’, and tradomedical preparations. Knowledge and use of foaming tablets, gel, antifungal and antibiotic powders were proportional to level of education. Reasons for use include healthy state of the vaginal (65%), personal sexual pleasure (45%), sexual pleasures for male clients (52%), to prevent contact of infection (62%), keep the virginal tight (45%), and for contraception (45%). Generally where substances were used, men or clients were not made aware. Most preferred products that disintegrated without much wetness in the vaginal, and not coloured. On vaginal practices, 35% reported regularly cleansing the vagina just before sex, while 26% used routinely, antifungal creams like Canesten, Gynostatin also believe to have antibacterial effects. Non-acceptability was due to physical discomforts such as itchiness in the vagina, dysuria, vaginal ulcerations, and excessive wetness by some vaginal pessaries. Some respondents still use ‘alum’ and some trado-medical preparations for tightening of the vagina. On willingness to participate in microbicides studies, 57% were ready provided they are not long terms studies. Single young respondents were more ready to participate than married.

Conclusion:
There is increased knowledge by commercial sex workers in Lagos about microbicides. Since they constitute a risk group, they need protection. However, there is much concern about cost, availability, safety, effectiveness and comfort in use.

Dr. Ernest Ekong
14 Reeve Road, Flat E17, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria.
(Telephone) 234-1-267-2374 (Fax) 234-1-267-2374 (E-mail) eekong@beta.linkserve.com