Acceptability research on female-controlled barrier methods to prevent heterosexual transmission of HIV: Where have we been? Where are we going?

Acceptability research is an important component of any product development process. As researchers move into a new, accelerated phase of vaginal microbicide development, it is important to take stock of the acceptability research conducted to date and determine future research priorities. In this paper, we review findings from acceptability research conducted to date in four categories: hypothetical product acceptability research, existing product research (spermicide acceptability studies), acceptability research within the context of clinical trials, and postmarketing acceptability research conducted around the female condom. Finally, we highlight areas where additional research is needed in light of recent progress in microbicide development and discuss a possible framework for the introduction and acceptability of new sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention technologies.