Knowledge, perception and acceptability of microbicides among non-health care workers in Lagos, Nigeria

Aim The study is aimed at assessing the knowledge, perception and acceptability of microbicides among non-health care workers in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods In 2004, 200 non-health care givers were included in a cross-sectional descriptive study using semi-structured questionnaires. Results Of 200 respondents, 120 (60%) were women, while 80 (40%) were men. The respondents included journalists, drivers, hairdressers, clerks, technicians, students, and secretaries/typists. Those that had heard about microbicides accounted for 22.5%, while the respondents that had not heard accounted for 77.5%. Of the 22.5% that had heard about microbicides, 46% believed that it could be used to prevent HIV transmission while 54% did not. When assessed separately according to sex 5% of men and 35% of women had heard about microbicides. None of the men believed microbicides could prevent HIV transmission, while 50% of the women believed it could. The respondents felt that the product should be accessed over the counter in pharmacies. Correlation among knowledge, perception and acceptability of microbicides and previous knowledge, willingness to use and recommend microbicides was significant (P