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Schaaf M, Lavelanet A, Codjia L, Nihlén Å, Rehnstrom Loi U. A narrative review of challenges related to healthcare worker rights, roles and responsibilities in the provision of sexual and reproductive services in health facilities. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e012421. [PMID: 37918835 PMCID: PMC10626880 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-012421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This paper identifies and summarises tensions and challenges related to healthcare worker rights and responsibilities and describes how they affect healthcare worker roles in the provision of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care in health facilities. METHOD The review was undertaken in a two-phase process, namely: (1) development of a list of core constructs and concepts relating to healthcare worker rights, roles and responsibilities to guide the review and (2) literature review. RESULT A total of 110 papers addressing a variety of SRH areas and geographical locations met our inclusion criteria. These papers addressed challenges to healthcare worker rights, roles and responsibilities, including conflicting laws, policies and guidelines; pressure to achieve coverage and quality; violations of the rights and professionalism of healthcare workers, undercutting their ability and motivation to fulfil their responsibilities; inadequate stewardship of the private sector; competing paradigms for decision-making-such as religious beliefs-that are inconsistent with professional responsibilities; donor conditionalities and fragmentation; and, the persistence of embedded practical norms that are at odds with healthcare worker rights and responsibilities. The tensions lead to a host of undesirable outcomes, ranging from professional frustration to the provision of a narrower range of services or of poor-quality services. CONCLUSION Social mores relating to gender and sexuality and other contested domains that relate to social norms, provider religious identity and other deeply held beliefs complicate the terrain for SRH in particular. Despite the particularities of SRH, a whole of systems response may be best suited to address embedded challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Schaaf
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research and UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Antonella Lavelanet
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research and UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laurence Codjia
- Department of Health Workforce, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Åsa Nihlén
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research and UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ulrika Rehnstrom Loi
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research and UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Iliyasu Z, Galadanci HS, Zubairu AA, Amole TG, Sam-Agudu NA, Aliyu MH. Health workers' knowledge of safer conception and attitudes toward reproductive rights of HIV-infected couples in Kano, Nigeria. Int Health 2020; 11:536-544. [PMID: 31028377 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihz016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The restriction of reproductive rights of HIV-positive couples in low-resource settings could be related to the attitudes and skills of health workers. We assessed health workers' knowledge of safer conception and their attitudes toward the reproductive rights of HIV-positive couples in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. METHODS A cross-section of health workers (n=294) was interviewed using structured questionnaires. Knowledge and attitude scores were analyzed. Logistic regression was employed to generate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) for predictors of attitude. RESULTS Safer conception methods mentioned by respondents included timed unprotected intercourse with (27.9%) and without antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (37.4%), in vitro fertilization plus intracytoplasmic sperm injection (26.5%), and sperm washing and intrauterine insemination (24.8%). The majority (94.2%) of health workers acknowledged the reproductive rights of HIV-infected persons, although (64.6%) strongly felt that HIV-infected couples should have fewer children. Health workers reported always/nearly always counseling their patients on HIV transmission risks (64.1%) and safer conception (59.2% and 48.3% for females and males, respectively) (p<0.05). Among health workers, being older (30-39 vs <30 y) (AOR=1.33, 95% CI=1.13-2.47), married (AOR=2.15, 95% CI=1.17-5.58) and having a larger HIV-positive daily caseload (20-49 vs <20) (AOR=1.98, 95% CI=1.07-3.64) predicted positive attitude towards reproductive rights of HIV-affected couples. CONCLUSIONS Health workers had limited knowledge of safer conception methods, but were supportive of the reproductive rights of HIV-positive couples. Health workers in Nigeria require training to effectively counsel couples on their reproductive rights, risks and options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zubairu Iliyasu
- Departments of Community Medicine, Bayero University, PMB 3011 Kano, Kano State, Nigeria.,Centre for Infectious Diseases Research, Bayero University, PMB 3011 Kano, Kano State, Nigeria
| | - Hadiza S Galadanci
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bayero University, PMB 3011 Kano, Kano State, Nigeria
| | - Ahmad A Zubairu
- Departments of Community Medicine, Bayero University, PMB 3011 Kano, Kano State, Nigeria
| | - Taiwo G Amole
- Departments of Community Medicine, Bayero University, PMB 3011 Kano, Kano State, Nigeria
| | - Nadia A Sam-Agudu
- International Research Center of Excellence, Institute of Human Virology, Maina Court, Plot 252, Abuja, Nigeria.,Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland, 725 W Lombard St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Muktar H Aliyu
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 725, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
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Tshitenge ST, Nlisi K, Setlhare V, Ogundipe R. Knowledge, attitudes and practice of healthcare providers regarding contraceptive use in adolescence in Mahalapye, Botswana. S Afr Fam Pract (2004) 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/20786190.2018.1501239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- ST Tshitenge
- Family Medicine and PH, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - K Nlisi
- Botswana Ministry of Health and Welfare, Mahalapye, Botswana
| | - V Setlhare
- Family Medicine and PH, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - R Ogundipe
- Family Medicine and PH, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
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Difficult decisions: Evaluating individual and couple-level fertility intentions and HIV acquisition among HIV serodiscordant couples in Zambia. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0189869. [PMID: 29364895 PMCID: PMC5783339 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Attempts to conceive and pregnancy may increase HIV transmission to sex partners and infants. Our study evaluated the association between fertility intentions and HIV acquisition among Zambian HIV-serodiscordant couples. Methods We collected demographic, behavioral, clinical exposures, and data on fertility intentions in a cohort of HIV-serodiscordant couples in Lusaka, Zambia from 2005 to 2012. We evaluated factors associated with fertility intentions stratified by gender using multivariable logistic regression. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the associations between fertility intentions and HIV acquisition controlling for a priori confounders and covariates that substantially (>10%) changed the effect estimates in univariate analyses. Results Among 1,029 serodiscordant couples, 311 agreed that they wanted children in the future (30%), 368 agreed they did not want children (36%), and 344 couples disagreed about having children (34%), with men more likely than women to want children. Women wanting child(ren) was associated with increased odds of baseline pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 4.80 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.93, 7.85)), fewer previous pregnancies (aOR = 0.85 per additional pregnancy (95% CI = 0.78, 0.93)), and partner fertility intention (aOR = 2.89 (95% CI = 2.14, 3.91)) adjusting for woman’s age, literacy, years cohabiting and HIV status. Men wanting child(ren) was associated with younger age (aOR = 0.96 per year (95% CI = 0.93, 0.99)), fewer years cohabiting (aOR = 0.95 (95% CI = 0.92, 0.98)), number of previous partners’ pregnancies (aOR = 0.90 (95% CI = 0.82, 0.98)), and partner fertility intention (aOR = 3.00 (95% CI = 2.21, 4.07)) adjusting for partner’s age, literacy, HIV status and partner’s baseline pregnancy. In adjusted survival analyses, HIV-negative women were more likely to seroconvert if they themselves wanted children (aHR = 2.36 (95% CI = 1.41, 3.96)) vs. did not want children, or if their partner wanted children (aHR = 2.34 (95% CI = 1.33, 4.11)) vs. did not want children, or if the couple agreed that they wanted children (aHR = 2.08 (95% CI = 1.01, 4.30)), adjusting for women’s age, women’s literacy, previous pregnancies and time in study. HIV-negative men were more likely to seroconvert if their female partner wanted a child in the next 12-months (aHR = 1.94 (95% CI = 1.02, 3.68)) vs. did not want children, and when both partners wanted children (aHR = 2.02 (CI = 1.09, 3.73)) vs. they did not want children, adjusting for men’s age and literacy, couple income, number of live children, male circumcision status and time in study. Conclusion Women had increased risk of HIV acquisition if they and/or their partner wanted a child, while men had increased risk of HIV acquisition when their partner or if both partners agreed that they wanted children. Safer-conception interventions are needed to protect HIV uninfected women and men from HIV acquisition in HIV-serodiscordant couples who want children.
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Agbo S, Rispel LC. Factors influencing reproductive choices of HIV positive individuals attending primary health care facilities in a South African health district. BMC Public Health 2017; 17:540. [PMID: 28576142 PMCID: PMC5457556 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-017-4432-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is global recognition of the reproductive health rights of people living with HIV (PLHIV). The aim of this research study was to explore the reproductive choices, and the factors influencing these choices, of HIV positive patients attending primary health care (PHC) facilities in the Ekurhuleni health district of the Gauteng Province of South Africa. METHODS During 2013, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in the Ekurhuleni health district. At each of three randomly selected community health centres, a random sample of HIV positive patients was selected. After informed consent was obtained, trained fieldworkers administered a structured questionnaire that elicited information on socio-demographics, reproductive choices and knowledge of reproductive options. Survey data were analysed using STATA® 13. RESULTS The majority of survey participants (n = 430) were female (70%) and unemployed (57%). The mean age of participants was 36.4 years (SD 8.6): 40.8 years (SD 8.7) for men and 34.5 years (SD7.8) for women. Among survey participants, 46% expressed a desire for children (95% CI: 41.4-50.9). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, predictors of desire for children were age less than 49 years, marriage or living together, and no biological children. The odds of wanting children was 16.48 [95% CI: 5.94-45.74] times higher for PLHIV without children, compared with those with two or more children, while for those less than 25 years, the odds of wanting children was 0.78 [95% CI: 0.23-2.59] compared with those older than 50 years. The PLHIV knowledge on the available reproductive options was limited, with the majority relying on the guidance of the health workers. CONCLUSION Health care providers at PHC level should be educated to address the reproductive health needs of PLHIV. These aspects should be reflected in provincial and national health policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Agbo
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- P.O BOX 12089, Tramshed, Pretoria, 0126 South Africa
| | - Laetitia C. Rispel
- Centre for Health Policy & DST/NRF Research Chair, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Mantell JE, Cooper D, Exner TM, Moodley J, Hoffman S, Myer L, Leu CS, Bai D, Kelvin EA, Jennings K, Stein ZA, Constant D, Zweigenthal V, Cishe N, Nywagi N. Emtonjeni-A Structural Intervention to Integrate Sexual and Reproductive Health into Public Sector HIV Care in Cape Town, South Africa: Results of a Phase II Study. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:905-922. [PMID: 27807792 PMCID: PMC5552040 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1562-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Integration of sexual and reproductive health within HIV care services is a promising strategy for increasing access to family planning and STI services and reducing unwanted pregnancies, perinatal HIV transmission and maternal and infant mortality among people living with HIV and their partners. We conducted a Phase II randomized futility trial of a multi-level intervention to increase adherence to safer sex guidelines among those wishing to avoid pregnancy and adherence to safer conception guidelines among those seeking conception in newly-diagnosed HIV-positive persons in four public-sector HIV clinics in Cape Town. Clinics were pair-matched and the two clinics within each pair were randomized to either a three-session provider-delivered enhanced intervention (EI) (onsite contraceptive services and brief milieu intervention for staff) or standard-of-care (SOC) provider-delivered intervention. The futility analysis showed that we cannot rule out the possibility that the EI intervention has a 10 % point or greater success rate in improving adherence to safer sex/safer conception guidelines than does SOC (p = 0.573), indicating that the intervention holds merit, and a larger-scale confirmatory study showing whether the EI is superior to SOC has merit.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Mantell
- Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, Department of Psychiatry, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - D Cooper
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535, South Africa
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - T M Exner
- Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, Department of Psychiatry, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - J Moodley
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
- Cancer Research Initiative, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - S Hoffman
- Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, Department of Psychiatry, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - L Myer
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - C-S Leu
- Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, Department of Psychiatry, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Joseph Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - D Bai
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Joseph Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - E A Kelvin
- Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, Department of Psychiatry, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - K Jennings
- City of Cape Town Department of Health, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Z A Stein
- Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, Department of Psychiatry, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - D Constant
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - V Zweigenthal
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - N Cishe
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - N Nywagi
- Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
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Antelman G, Medley A, Mbatia R, Pals S, Arthur G, Haberlen S, Ackers M, Elul B, Parent J, Rwebembera A, Wanjiku L, Muraguri N, Gweshe J, Mudhune S, Bachanas P. Pregnancy desire and dual method contraceptive use among people living with HIV attending clinical care in Kenya, Namibia and Tanzania. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 41:e1. [PMID: 25512359 DOI: 10.1136/jfprhc-2013-100784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM To describe factors associated with pregnancy desire and dual method use among people living with HIV in clinical care in sub-Saharan Africa. DESIGN Sexually active HIV-positive adults were enrolled in 18 HIV clinics in Kenya, Namibia and Tanzania. Demographic, clinical and reproductive health data were captured by interview and medical record abstraction. Correlates of desiring a pregnancy within the next 6 months, and dual method use [defined as consistent condom use together with a highly effective method of contraception (hormonal, intrauterine device (IUD), permanent)], among those not desiring pregnancy, were identified using logistic regression. RESULTS Among 3375 participants (median age 37 years, 42% male, 64% on antiretroviral treatment), 565 (17%) desired a pregnancy within the next 6 months. Of those with no short-term fertility desire (n=2542), 686 (27%) reported dual method use, 250 (10%) highly effective contraceptive use only, 1332 (52%) condom use only, and 274 (11%) no protection. Respondents were more likely to desire a pregnancy if they were from Namibia and Tanzania, male, had a primary education, were married/cohabitating, and had fewer children. Factors associated with increased likelihood of dual method use included being female, being comfortable asking a partner to use a condom, and communication with a health care provider about family planning. Participants who perceived that their partner wanted a pregnancy were less likely to report dual method use. CONCLUSIONS There was low dual method use and low use of highly effective contraception. Contraceptive protection was predominantly through condom-only use. These findings demonstrate the importance of integrating reproductive health services into routine HIV care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gretchen Antelman
- Research and Evaluation Director (Tanzania), ICAP, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amy Medley
- Behavioral Scientist, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Redempta Mbatia
- Executive Director, Tanzania Health Promotion Support, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Sherri Pals
- Mathematical Statistician, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gilly Arthur
- Associate Director of Science, CTS Global Inc., assigned to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Sabina Haberlen
- Science Office Team Lead, CTS Global Inc., assigned to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Marta Ackers
- HIV Care and Treatment Branch Chief, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Batya Elul
- Director of Strategic Information (ICAP) and Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julie Parent
- Study Coordinator, Ministry of Health and Social Services, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Anath Rwebembera
- Pediatrician, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Lucy Wanjiku
- Senior Care and Treatment Medical Officer, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Justice Gweshe
- Chief Medical Officer and National Programme Manager, Ministry of Health and Social Services, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Sandra Mudhune
- Senior M&E Officer, Research and Evaluation, The International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs (ICAP), Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pamela Bachanas
- Behavioral Scientist, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Mayondi GK, Wirth K, Morroni C, Moyo S, Ajibola G, Diseko M, Sakoi M, Magetse JD, Moabi K, Leidner J, Makhema J, Kammerer B, Lockman S. Unintended pregnancy, contraceptive use, and childbearing desires among HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women in Botswana: across-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2016; 16:44. [PMID: 26774918 PMCID: PMC4715872 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-2498-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Little is known about the impact of knowledge of HIV serostatus on pregnancy intention and contraceptive use in high-HIV-burden southern African settings in the era of widespread antiretroviral treatment availability. Methods We analyzed interview data collected among 473 HIV-uninfected and 468 HIV-infected pregnant and recently postpartum women at two sites in southern Botswana. Participants were interviewed about their knowledge of their HIV status prior to pregnancy, intendedness of the pregnancy, contraceptive use, and future childbearing desires. Results The median age of the 941 women was 27 years, median lifetime pregnancies was 2, and 416 (44 %) of pregnancies were unintended. Among women reporting unintended pregnancy, 36 % were not using a contraceptive method prior to conception. Among contraception users, 81 % used condoms, 13 % oral contraceptives and 5 % an injectable contraceptive. In univariable analysis, women with unintended pregnancy had a higher number of previous pregnancies (P = <0.0001), were less educated (P = 0.0002), and less likely to be married or living with a partner (P < 0.0001). Thirty-percent reported knowing that they were HIV-infected, 48 % reported knowing they were HIV-uninfected, and 22 % reported not knowing their HIV status prior to conception. In multivariable analysis, women who did not know their HIV status pre-conception were more likely to report their pregnancy as unintended compared to women who knew that they were HIV-uninfected (aOR = 1.7; 95%CI: 1.2-2.5). After controlling for other factors, unintended pregnancy was not associated with knowing one’s HIV positive status prior to conception (compared with knowing one’s negative HIV status prior to conception). Among women with unintended pregnancy, there was no association between knowing their HIV status and contraceptive use prior to pregnancy in adjusted analyses. Sixty-one percent of women reported not wanting any more children after this pregnancy, with HIV-infected women significantly more likely to report not wanting any more children compared to HIV-uninfected women (aOR = 3.9; 95%CI: 2.6-5.8). Conclusions The high rates of reported unintended pregnancy and contraceptive failure/misuse underscore an urgent need for better access to effective contraceptive methods for HIV-uninfected and HIV -infected women in Botswana. Lower socioeconomic status and lack of pre-conception HIV testing may indicate higher risk for unintended pregnancy in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria K Mayondi
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Private Bag Bo 320, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | | | - Chelsea Morroni
- EGA Institute for Women's Health/Institute for Global Health, University College London, 74 Huntley Street, WC1E 6AU, London, UK. .,University of Botswana, Department of Public Health Medicine, University of Botswana Main Campus, Block 246, Gaborone, Botswana. .,Botswana-UPenn Partnership, University of Botswana Main Campus, 244G, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | - Sikhulile Moyo
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Private Bag Bo 320, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | - Gbolahan Ajibola
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Private Bag Bo 320, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | - Modiegi Diseko
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Private Bag Bo 320, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | - Maureen Sakoi
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Private Bag Bo 320, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | - Jane Dipuo Magetse
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Private Bag Bo 320, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | - Kebaiphe Moabi
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Private Bag Bo 320, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | - Jean Leidner
- Goodtables Data Consulting, 3101 Tisbury Rd., Norman, 73071, OK, USA.
| | - Joseph Makhema
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Private Bag Bo 320, Gaborone, Botswana. .,Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Betsy Kammerer
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Shahin Lockman
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Private Bag Bo 320, Gaborone, Botswana. .,Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA. .,Brigham and Women's Hospital, 15 Francis Street, PBB 4A, Boston, 02115, MA, USA.
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Narasimhan M, Loutfy M, Khosla R, Bras M. Sexual and reproductive health and human rights of women living with HIV. J Int AIDS Soc 2015; 18:20834. [PMID: 28326129 PMCID: PMC4813610 DOI: 10.7448/ias.18.6.20834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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Human rights and the sexual and reproductive health of women living with HIV--a literature review. J Int AIDS Soc 2015; 18:20290. [PMID: 26643461 PMCID: PMC4672398 DOI: 10.7448/ias.18.6.20290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Revised: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Even as the number of women living with HIV around the globe continues to grow, realization of their sexual and reproductive health and human rights remains compromised. The objective of this study was to review the current state of knowledge on the sexual and reproductive health and human rights of women living with HIV to assess evidence and gaps. Methods Relevant databases were searched for peer-reviewed and grey literature. Search terms included a combination of MeSH terms and keywords representing women, HIV/AIDS, ART, human rights, sexual and reproductive health. We included both qualitative and quantitative literature published in English, French, or Spanish between July 2011 and December 2014. Results and discussion The search yielded 2228 peer-reviewed articles, of which 40 met the inclusion criteria in the final review. The grey literature search yielded 2186 documents of which seven met the inclusion criteria in the final review. Of the articles and documents reviewed, not a single peer-reviewed article described the explicit implementation of rights in programming, and only two documents from the grey literature did so. With one possible exception, no articles or documents were found which addressed rights comprehensively, or addressed the majority of relevant rights (i.e. equality; non-discrimination; participation; privacy and confidentiality; informed decision making; availability, accessibility, acceptability and quality (3AQ) of services individually or in their totality; and accountability). Additional findings indicate that the language of rights is used most often to describe the apparent neglect or violation of human rights and what does exist only addresses a few rights in the context of a few areas within sexual and reproductive health. Conclusions Findings from this review suggest the need to better integrate rights into interventions, particularly with attention to provider training, service delivery, raising awareness and capacity building among the community of women living with HIV. Further research is urgently needed to support the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women living with HIV, to identify what works and to inform future programming and policies to improve care, treatment and support for women living with HIV.
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Impact of Availability and Use of ART/PMTCT Services on Fertility Desires of Previously Pregnant Women in Rakai, Uganda: A Retrospective Cohort Study. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2015; 69:377-84. [PMID: 25835605 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000000612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess fertility desires by availability and use of antiretroviral therapy and prevention of mother-to-child transmission (ART/PMTCT) services in Rakai, Uganda. DESIGN Retrospective analyses of longitudinal data from the Rakai Community Cohort Study. METHODS Study participants were retrospectively identified and categorized by HIV status. Availability of ART/PMTCT services in Rakai was defined in three periods: (1) pre-ART/PMTCT (<2005), (2) ART/PMTCT rollout (2005-2006), and (3) universal ART/PMTCT (>2006); and use of ART/PMTCT was coded as yes if the woman received services. Trends in fertility desires were assessed by χ. "Modified" Poisson regression was performed using generalized linear models with a log link and Poisson family to estimate prevalence rate ratios (PRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of desire for another child among previously and currently pregnant women; PRRs were adjusted for demographic and behavioral factors. RESULTS A total of 4227 sexually active women in Rakai, including 436 HIV+ women, contributed 13,970 observations over 5 survey rounds. Fertility desires increased in the population in the ART/PMTCT rollout [adjusted (adj.) PRR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.13] and the universal availability periods (adj. PRR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.14) compared with pre-ART/PMTCT period. A total of 862 woman observations used ART/PMTCT services. Fertility desires were similar among ART/PMTCT service users and nonusers in cross-sectional analysis (adj. PRR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.62 to 1.14) and 1 year after ART/PMTCT use (adj. PRR: 1.27, 95% CI: 0.83 to 1.94). CONCLUSIONS Availability of ART/PMTCT may increase fertility desires of previously pregnant women in Rakai, Uganda. Use of ART/PMTCT services was not correlated with fertility desires of previously or current pregnant women.
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Schaan MM, Taylor M, Gungqisa N, Marlink R. Personal views about womanhood amongst women living with HIV in Botswana. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2015; 18:173-185. [PMID: 26305285 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2015.1072247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The social construction of womanhood in Africa can be said to have two central defining elements: being a wife and being a mother. The interplay between HIV and these elements is not well understood outside of prevention efforts. We conducted a qualitative study of womanhood in Botswana; specifically the sexual and reproductive lives of women living with HIV. Twelve focus-group discussions were held with 61 women, with a median age of 35, taking anti-retroviral therapy. Major themes describing womanhood, before and after HIV diagnosis, were identified using grounded theory strategies. Findings illustrate that womanhood is synonymous with motherhood and that women are expected to have sex in order to please a partner. HIV was said to create a barrier to fulfilling these expectations as it caused anxiety over disclosing one's HIV status and/or infecting the partner. The sense of pride and dignity that traditionally accompanied pregnancy was said to be lost and a common refrain was concern about passing HIV to an unborn child, having pregnancy complications or advancing HIV infection. Fear, shame and stigma play a large role in these negative perceptions. Interventions to address stigma, societal views of women and the integration of holistic family planning into HIV care are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Marian Schaan
- a School of Nursing and Public Health , University of Kwazulu Natal , Durban , South Africa
| | - Myra Taylor
- a School of Nursing and Public Health , University of Kwazulu Natal , Durban , South Africa
| | | | - Richard Marlink
- c Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases , Harvard School of Public Health , Boston , USA
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Mantell JE, Exner TM, Cooper D, Bai D, Leu CS, Hoffman S, Myer L, Moodley J, Kelvin EA, Constant D, Jennings K, Zweigenthal V, Stein ZA. Pregnancy intent among a sample of recently diagnosed HIV-positive women and men practicing unprotected sex in Cape Town, South Africa. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2014; 67 Suppl 4:S202-9. [PMID: 25436819 PMCID: PMC4251915 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000000369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services for HIV-positive women and men often neglect their fertility desires. We examined factors associated with pregnancy intent among recently diagnosed HIV-positive women (N = 106) and men (N = 91) who reported inconsistent condom use and were enrolled in an SRH intervention conducted in public sector HIV care clinics in Cape Town. METHODS Participants were recruited when receiving their first CD4 results at the clinic. All reported unprotected sex in the previous 3 months. Logistic regression identified predictors of pregnancy intent for the total sample and by gender. RESULTS About three fifths of men and one fifth of women reported intent to conceive in the next 6 months. In the full-sample multiple regression analysis, men [adjusted odds ratio (AOR = 6.62)] and those whose main partner shared intent to conceive (AOR = 3.80) had significantly higher odds of pregnancy intent; those with more years of education (AOR = 0.81) and more biological children (AOR = 0.62) had lower odds of intending pregnancy. In gender-specific analyses, partner sharing pregnancy intent was positively associated with intent among both men (AOR = 3.53) and women (AOR = 13.24). Among men, odds were lower among those having more biological children (AOR = 0.71) and those unemployed (AOR = 0.30). Among women, relying on hormonal contraception was negatively associated with intent (AOR = 0.08), and main partner knowing her HIV status (AOR = 5.80) was positively associated with intent to conceive. CONCLUSIONS Findings underscore the importance of providing integrated SRH services, and we discuss implications for clinical practice and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne E. Mantell
- Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Theresa M. Exner
- Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Diane Cooper
- Women's Health Research Unit, University of Cape Town School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dan Bai
- Departments of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Joseph Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Cheng-Shiun Leu
- Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY
- Departments of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Joseph Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Susie Hoffman
- Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY
- Departments of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Joseph Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Cape Town School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jennifer Moodley
- Women's Health Research Unit, University of Cape Town School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Elizabeth A. Kelvin
- Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Program, The City University of New York School of Public Health, Hunter College, New York, NY
| | - Debbie Constant
- Women's Health Research Unit, University of Cape Town School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Karen Jennings
- City of Cape Town Department of Health, Cape Town, South Africa; and
| | - Virginia Zweigenthal
- University of Cape Town School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Zena A. Stein
- Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY
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McCoy SI, Buzdugan R, Ralph LJ, Mushavi A, Mahomva A, Hakobyan A, Watadzaushe C, Dirawo J, Cowan FM, Padian NS. Unmet need for family planning, contraceptive failure, and unintended pregnancy among HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women in Zimbabwe. PLoS One 2014; 9:e105320. [PMID: 25144229 PMCID: PMC4140753 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prevention of unintended pregnancies among women living with HIV infection is a strategy recommended by the World Health Organization for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT). We assessed pregnancy intentions and contraceptive use among HIV-positive and HIV-negative women with a recent pregnancy in Zimbabwe. METHODS We analyzed baseline data from the evaluation of Zimbabwe's Accelerated National PMTCT Program. Eligible women were randomly sampled from the catchment areas of 157 health facilities offering PMTCT services in five provinces. Eligible women were ≥16 years old and mothers of infants (alive or deceased) born 9 to 18 months prior to the interview. Participants were interviewed about their HIV status, intendedness of the birth, and contraceptive use. RESULTS Of 8,797 women, the mean age was 26.7 years, 92.8% were married or had a regular sexual partner, and they had an average of 2.7 lifetime births. Overall, 3,090 (35.1%) reported that their births were unintended; of these women, 1,477 (47.8%) and 1,613 (52.2%) were and were not using a contraceptive method prior to learning that they were pregnant, respectively. Twelve percent of women reported that they were HIV-positive at the time of the survey; women who reported that they were HIV-infected were significantly more likely to report that their pregnancy was unintended compared to women who reported that they were HIV-uninfected (44.9% vs. 33.8%, p<0.01). After adjustment for covariates, among women with unintended births, there was no association between self-reported HIV status and lack of contraception use prior to pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS Unmet need for family planning and contraceptive failure contribute to unintended pregnancies among women in Zimbabwe. Both HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women reported unintended pregnancies despite intending to avoid or delay pregnancy, highlighting the need for effective contraceptive methods that align with pregnancy intentions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra I. McCoy
- University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Raluca Buzdugan
- University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Lauren J. Ralph
- University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | | | - Agnes Mahomva
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Anna Hakobyan
- Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jeffrey Dirawo
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Frances M. Cowan
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
- University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nancy S. Padian
- University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We reviewed recent literature on the role of family planning in eliminating new pediatric HIV infections. RECENT FINDINGS Global commitments to eliminate new pediatric HIV infections recognize that preventing unintended pregnancies among women with HIV is essential to achieving this goal. However, substantial shortcomings exist in translating this policy support into widespread practice. Programs to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV continue to be implemented and evaluated as a narrow set of interventions that typically begins in antenatal care, after a woman is already pregnant. In addition, data suggest that women living with HIV experience high rates of unmet need for family planning and unintended pregnancies. Evidence is growing that integrating family planning and HIV services is an effective strategy for increasing access to contraception among women with HIV who do not wish to become pregnant. A number of health system obstacles must be resolved to achieve effective, sustained delivery of integrated services at scale. SUMMARY Prevention of unintended pregnancies among women with HIV must be elevated as a programmatic priority. By strengthening family planning programs for all women, and better integrating family planning and HIV services, progress toward ending new pediatric HIV infections will be accelerated.
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Kawale P, Mindry D, Stramotas S, Chilikoh P, Phoya A, Henry K, Elashoff D, Jansen P, Hoffman R. Factors associated with desire for children among HIV-infected women and men: a quantitative and qualitative analysis from Malawi and implications for the delivery of safer conception counseling. AIDS Care 2013; 26:769-76. [PMID: 24191735 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2013.855294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Improved health outcomes have resulted in people with HIV facing decisions about childbearing. We sought to understand the factors associated with desire for a child among men and women in Malawi. HIV-infected men and women ages 18-40 were invited to participate in a brief interview about fertility desires. Single variable logistic regression was used to evaluate the factors associated with the outcome of fertility desire. Additionally, multiple logistic regression was used to assess the relationship of all the factors together on the outcome of fertility desire. In-depth interviews with women were performed to understand experiences with reproductive health care. A total of 202 brief interviews were completed with 75 men (37.1%) and 127 women (62.9%), with 103 (51.0%) of respondents desiring a child. Being in a relationship (OR: 3.48, 95% CI: 1.58-7.65, p = 0.002) and duration of HIV more than two years (OR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.08-3.67, p = 0.03) were associated with increased odds of desire for a child. Age 36-40 years (OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.46-0.90, p = 0.009) and having a living child (OR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.07-0.84, p = 0.03) were associated with decreased odds of desire for a child. Seventy percent of women (n = 19 of 27 respondents) completing semistructured interviews who responded to the question about decision-making reported that their male partners made decisions about children, while the remainder reported the decision was collaborative (n = 8, 30%). Eighty-six percent of women (n = 36 of 42 respondents) reported no discussion or a discouraging discussion with a provider about having children. HIV-infected women and men in Malawi maintain a desire to have children. Interventions are needed to integrate safer conception into HIV care, to improve male participation in safer conception counseling, and to empower providers to help patients make decisions about reproduction free of discrimination and coercion.
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Wanyenze RK, Wagner GJ, Tumwesigye NM, Nannyonga M, Wabwire-Mangen F, Kamya MR. Fertility and contraceptive decision-making and support for HIV infected individuals: client and provider experiences and perceptions at two HIV clinics in Uganda. BMC Public Health 2013; 13:98. [PMID: 23374175 PMCID: PMC3568663 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2012] [Accepted: 01/31/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Some people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) want to have children while others want to prevent pregnancies; this calls for comprehensive services to address both needs. This study explored decisions to have or not to have children and contraceptive preferences among PLHIV at two clinics in Uganda. Methods This was a qualitative cross-sectional study. We conducted seventeen focus group discussions and 14 in-depth interviews with sexually active adult men and women and adolescent girls and boys, and eight key informant interviews with providers. Overall, 106 individuals participated in the interviews; including 84 clients through focus group discussions. Qualitative latent content analysis technique was used, guided by key study questions and objectives. A coding system was developed before the transcripts were examined. Codes were grouped into categories and then themes and subthemes further identified. Results In terms of contraceptive preferences, clients had a wide range of preferences; whereas some did not like condoms, pills and injectables, others preferred these methods. Fears of complications were raised mainly about pills and injectables while cost of the methods was a major issue for the injectables, implants and intrauterine devices. Other than HIV sero-discordance and ill health (which was cited as transient), the decision to have children or not was largely influenced by socio-cultural factors. All adult men, women and adolescents noted the need to have children, preferably more than one. The major reasons for wanting more children for those who already had some were; the sex of the children (wanting to have both girls and boys and especially boys), desire for large families, pressure from family, and getting new partners. Providers were supportive of the decision to have children, especially for those who did not have any child at all, but some clients cited negative experiences with providers and information gaps for those who wanted to have children. Conclusions These findings show the need to expand family planning services for PLHIV to provide more contraceptive options and information as well as expand support for those who want to have children.
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