Optimizing the design of a contraceptive microarray patch: a discrete choice experiment on women’s preferences in India and Nigeria

Abstract Background Efforts are underway to develop an easy-to-use contraceptive microarray patch (MAP) that could expand the range of self-administrable methods. This paper presents results from a discrete choice experiment (DCE) designed support optimal product design. Methods We conducted DCE survey users and non-users contraception in New Delhi, India (496 women) Ibadan, Nigeria (two versions with 530 416 women, respectively) assess stated preferences for up six potential attributes: effect on menstruation, duration effectiveness, application pain, location, rash after application, size. estimated Hierarchical Bayes coefficients (utilities) each attribute level ran simulations comparing women’s hypothetical MAPs varying combinations. Results The most important attributes MAP were menstrual side effects (55% 42% Nigeria) (13% 24% Nigeria). Women preferred regular period over irregular or no period, six-month three one month. Simulations show ideal design would be small patch, providing 6 months protection, involve pain administration, result one-day rash, applied foot. Conclusions To extent possible, developers should consider method designs formulations limit provide more than month protection.