Trial participation disclosure and gel use behavior in the CAPRISA 004 tenofovir gel trial

This study demonstrates that the dynamics of communication between partners about participation in a trial and use of a study product vary and can influence use behavior. Therefore, no single product adherence strategy can be applied to all HIV prevention trials or product introduction campaigns. Guidance is needed for developing adherence strategies that involve male partners of women who want to communicate their study participation and that support women who would like to use a study product without their partner’s knowledge.