This investigation examined whether providing structured information on the dapivirine vaginal ring (DPV-VR) could modify levels of understanding, user acceptance, and monetary valuation of the product among female undergraduates enrolled at the University of Nigeria (UNN). Data were generated through a cross-sectional survey administered with a rigorously validated questionnaire comprising 23 items. A projected total of 1,500 participants was drawn from five academic faculties using systematic selection procedures. Participants’ perceptions of the dapivirine vaginal ring were measured at two points—before and after delivery of an educational session on the intervention. Economic valuation of the product was captured in Nigerian currency, applying a conversion rate of N490 per US dollar, through a contingent valuation framework. Summary statistics were used to describe the dataset, while faculty-level differences were evaluated using the Chi-square statistical test.
A total of 1017 undergraduate students completed the survey. Participants were predominantly within the 18–24-year age group (754 [74.1%]), and the majority were unmarried (886 [87.1%]). HIV testing had been undertaken by more than half of the respondents (531 [52.2%]). Among those tested, positive HIV status was reported by 3 (1.5%) students from Arts, 3 (1.7%) from Biological Sciences, 2 (0.6%) from Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2 (1.8%) from Social Sciences, and 1 (0.5%) from Veterinary Medicine. Prior awareness of the dapivirine vaginal ring (DPV-VR) was limited, with only 304 (29.9%) participants indicating previous knowledge of the product. Following the educational intervention, acceptability of the DPV-VR increased markedly, rising from 294 before the intervention to 596 afterward, representing approximately a two-fold increase (p ≤ 0.001). Regarding cost preferences, the largest proportion of respondents (466 [45.8%]) stated they would be willing to pay less than ₦410.00 for a single DPV-VR. The findings indicate a generally favorable disposition toward the use of the dapivirine vaginal ring among female students at UNN, which was substantially strengthened after they received targeted information about its benefits. Additionally, the results suggest that most students would prefer to obtain the ring at a personal cost of less than one US dollar.
