# Men's Acceptability of Long-acting HIV prevention methods in South Africa

> **NIH NIH R01** · RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE · 2022 · $621,526

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Long-acting (LA) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) offers a promising alternative to existing HIV prevention
methods. Research to assess end-user acceptability and actual experiences of novel delivery formulations
has neglected, however, to include male perspectives, despite these products being appropriate for use by
both men and women. This research aims to assess acceptability of and preferences for novel LA-PrEP
delivery formulation use among key end users: heterosexual men and men who have sex with men (MSM) in
South Africa. Early involvement of men in product development is an important opportunity to measure and
address product acceptability and foster male ownership of novel strategies, thereby enhancing potential
effectiveness and impact, and broadening male engagement in HIV prevention.
LA-PrEP delivered by implant or injection addresses user preferences for simplicity, discretion, and longer
dose duration. Currently, there are several PrEP implants in preclinical development and a few injectable
formulations in early human phase trials. Biomedical strategies have two core components: the active
pharmaceutical ingredient and the delivery mechanism; both of which contribute to acceptability and
successful use of products. Research to assess acceptability of placebo use of LA-PrEP delivery forms
among end users provides insight that may apply to the many products under development. The
contraceptive field provides substantial information about potential acceptability and use of LA delivery
methods among women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, there is a gap in knowledge regarding
acceptability of implant and injectable dosing platforms among men, particularly in SSA.
We propose a 4-year study to comparatively examine acceptability and preferences of placebo implants and
injectables using a crossover-designed mixed methods study among heterosexual men and MSM in
Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa. We hypothesize that men will find implant use acceptable as a
delivery form and no less acceptable than intramuscular injections. First, we will do formative qualitative
research with men (n=40) to assess knowledge and experiences and inform messages and materials for our
Aim 2 and 3 work. Subsequently, we will conduct a clinical crossover in which men (n=200) will wear placebo
implants for 6 months and have three bimonthly injections in a randomized sequence. Preferences for these
delivery forms and product attributes of these LA methods, oral PrEP, and condoms will then be measured
using a discrete choice experiment survey.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10320033
- **Project number:** 5R01MH121148-03
- **Recipient organization:** RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE
- **Principal Investigator:** Elizabeth Trask Montgomery
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $621,526
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-02-14 → 2023-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10320033

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10320033, Men's Acceptability of Long-acting HIV prevention methods in South Africa (5R01MH121148-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10320033. Licensed CC0.

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