College of Health

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to increase understanding of acceptability of the diaphragm among young women at risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the U.S. METHODS: A total of 140 young (aged 18-25 years) women who had never used the diaphragm and who were at risk for HIV and other STIs completed questionnaires that included questions about the diaphragm and other sexual and reproductive health topics. These women were participants in a focus group study. RESULTS: The majority of participants perceived that the diaphragm had several characteristics (e.g., is a method they can control, is effective in preventing pregnancy, will not cause side effects, does not decrease sexual pleasure) considered important when selecting a birth control method. However, most were not confident in various aspects of diaphragm use, including their ability to use the method correctly, without breaking the mood, or when sexually excited. In multivariate analyses, intention to use the diaphragm was significantly higher among participants who were less motivated to avoid pregnancy and those with greater perceived self-efficacy to use a diaphragm in different contexts (e.g., when sexually excited). CONCLUSION: The diaphragm has characteristics that some women consider desirable, suggesting that it could be an acceptable HIV prevention method for some at-risk women.