Female condom color and scent preference in Durban, South Africa.

Objectives: To assess preferences for female condom (FC) colors and scents.

Study Design: Women aged 18-40 years were randomized to one of three FCs (FC2, Cupid1, Cupid2) two of which offered a choice of color and scent (red/strawberry, purple/vanilla, natural/unscented). Women could choose any variety within condom types while participating in an FC contraceptive efficacy study in South Africa.

Perspectives on sexual and reproductive health self-care among women, healthcare providers, and other key informants: a mixed-methods study in South Africa and Zambia.

Background: "Self-care" for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) includes contraceptive methods and other supplies that people can use with or without the support of a healthcare provider. Self-administered tests, self-injection of injectable contraception, or self-removal of intrauterine devices (IUDs) can increase people's access to and autonomy over their own SRH. Objectives of this study were to assess women's current interest in and use of SRH self-care and explore key informants' (KI) opinions of self-care, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contraceptive access and use before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods study in South Africa and Zambia.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic affected global access to health services, including contraception We sought to explore effects of the pandemic on family planning (FP) service provision and use in South Africa and Zambia, including on implant and intrauterine device (IUD) users' desire and ability to obtain removal.

Methods: Between August 2020 and April 2021, we conducted surveys with 537 women participating in an ongoing longitudinal contraceptive continuation study. We also carried out in-depth interviews with 39 of the survey participants and 36 key informants involved in FP provision.

Contraceptive Continuation and Experiences Obtaining Implant and IUD Removal Among Women Randomized to Use Injectable Contraception, Levonorgestrel Implant, and Copper IUD in South Africa and Zambia.

Few longitudinal studies have measured contraceptive continuation past one year in sub-Saharan Africa. We surveyed 674 women who had been randomized to receive the three-month intramuscular contraceptive injectable (DMPA-IM), levonorgestrel (LNG) implant, or copper intrauterine device (IUD) during the Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) trial in South Africa and Zambia and were subsequently followed for two additional years to explore method continuation, reasons for discontinuation, and access to implant and IUD removal services. We also conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with 39 participants.

Is long-acting reversible contraceptive method use associated with HIV testing frequency in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and Lusaka, Zambia? Findings from the CUBE study.

Objectives: To assess differences in HIV testing at 6-months intervals over 24 months among intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM) injectable, levonorgestrel implant, or copper intrauterine devices (IUD) users in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and Lusaka, Zambia. Testing at recommended intervals has not been previously assessed in long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) users (implant and IUD users) compared to those using effective but shorter-acting methods (such as DMPA-IM) in sub-Saharan Africa.

Study Design: As part of the longitudinal contraceptive use beyond ECHO (CUBE) study, we measured HIV testing over 24 months.

How is Clinical Trial Reimbursement Money Spent? South African Trial Participants' Reported Reimbursement Spending Patterns and Perceptions of Appropriate Reimbursement Amounts.

Reimbursement of participants in clinical trials is extensively debated. Guidance recommends that compensation should reflect time, inconvenience and reimbursement of expenses. This study describes how participants spend their reimbursement and perceptions of appropriate reimbursement amounts.

A randomized noninferiority crossover controlled trial of the functional performance and safety of new female condoms: an evaluation of the Velvet, Cupid2, and FC2.

Objectives: New designs of female condoms have been developed to lower cost and/or improve acceptability. To secure regulatory approvals, clinical studies are required to verify performance. We aimed to assess the functional performance and safety of two new female condom types - Velvet and Cupid2 female condom - against the existing FC2 female condom.

Acceptability and performance of the menstrual cup in South Africa: a randomized crossover trial comparing the menstrual cup to tampons or sanitary pads.

Background: In low-income settings, many women and girls face activity restrictions during menses, owing to lack of affordable menstrual products. The menstrual cup (MC) is a nonabsorbent reusable cup that collects menstrual blood. We assessed the acceptability and performance of the MPower® MC compared to pads or tampons among women in a low-resource setting.