Dual Protection and Dual Methods in Women Living with HIV: The Brazilian Context

Women living with HIV and dual contraceptive use in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Despite different preventive strategies that have been implemented in the country, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS is still significantly increasing in Ethiopia. The concurrence of HIV and unintended pregnancy makes the use of dual contraception a back bone for the simultaneous protection against HIV, and unintended pregnancy. As a result, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of dual contraceptive use among women living with HIV in Ethiopia.

Method

We used databases; (PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, African Online Journals, and Hinary), other gray and online repository accessed studies were searched using different search engines. For critical appraisal of studies Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS) was used. The analysis was done using STATA 11 software. The Cochran Q test and I² test statistics were used to assess the heterogeneity. To detect publication bias funnel plot and Egger’s test were used. The pooled prevalence of dual contraception use and the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval was presented by using forest plots.

Result

Eleven studies were included in this review, with a total of 4083 women living with HIV in Ethiopia. The pooled prevalence of dual contraception use in Ethiopia was 34.08% (95%CI: 20.77–47.38). Having open partner discussion (OR = 3.96, 95%CI:2.3,6.8), provision of post test counseling (AOR = 4.38, 95%CI:2.93,6.54), disclosed HIV status to sexual partners (OR = 5.9, 95%CI:4.19,8.33), partner involvement in post-test counseling (OR = 3.52, 95%CI:2.37,5.23), and being on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) (OR = 2.9, 95%CI:1.56,5.46) were the determinant factors of dual contraceptive use in Ethiopia.

Conclusion

The overall prevalence of dual contraceptive use among women living with HIV in Ethiopia was low. Having open partner discussion, provision of post-test counseling, disclosed HIV status to sexual partner, partner involvement in post-test counseling, and currently on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) were the associated factors of dual contraceptive use. Therefore, efforts should be made to provide post-test counseling, and initiate partner involvement in post-test counseling. Moreover, promoting open partner discussion, counseling to disclose HIV status to their sexual partner and to start HAART will be helpful in enhancing the use of dual contraceptive method use.

Consistent Condom Utilization and its Associated Factors among Sexually Active Female Anti-Retro Viral Treatment Users in Finoteselam District Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2018

Consistent condom utilization is the key strategy to prevent new HIV strain transmissions among ART users. There are limited evidences on consistent condom utilization among women who are on ART in Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted among sexually active female ART users from June to August, 2018. Data were collected using a systematic random sampling data collection method. The multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify the predictors for the outcome Results: study indicated that 137(34.2%) women reported that they were using condom for the last three months, of whom 81 (59.1% (n = 137)) used condoms consistently. Respondents` age group from 21-30 (AOR = 4.381, 95%CI = 1.05, 18.331), Counseling about condom utilization (ARO = 9.442, 95% CI = 4.387, 20.32) and husbands` educational status “diploma and above” (AOR = 3.65, 95% CI = 1.007, 13.227) were significantly associated with condom utilization.

The Effect of Integration of Family Planning Into HIV Services on Contraceptive Use Among Women Accessing HIV Services in Low and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review

There is substantial unmet need for family planning (FP) among women living with HIV (WLHIV), leading to unintended pregnancies and may contribute indirectly to increasing the risk of transmission of HIV. This review aims to determine whether integration of FP into HIV testing and care results in increased use of contraception, a reduction in unmet need for FP, improved use of safer conception methods and a reduction in unintended pregnancies in low and middle-income countries. A systematic review was undertaken incorporating studies from PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science and Global Health, the International AIDS Society Abstract Archive, the World STI & HIV Congress Abstract Archive and the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections Abstract Archive published between 2016 and 2021, updating previous systematic reviews. After screening, 13 studies were included, 11 conducted in sub-Saharan Africa and 2 in India. The primary outcome of the review was contraceptive uptake and secondary outcomes included unmet need for FP, safer conception and unintended pregnancy. Integrated FP-HIV facilities were found to increase dual contraceptive use by at least 8% in five studies and modern contraceptive use by at least 8% in four studies. Findings from two studies suggested integration decreased the unmet need for contraception. Limited data prevented a conclusion from being drawn regarding whether integration increases safer conception. There was no evidence of integration reducing unintended pregnancies. The median quality score of studies was 3/9. Overall, integrated facilities have the potential of improving reproductive health of women accessing HIV services in LMICs. FP may be enhanced by including a safer conception component for WLHIV.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021251008, identifier: CRD42021251008.

Dual Contraceptive Use and Factor Associated with People Living with HIV/AIDS: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction

A dual contraceptive method is the usage of any modern contraceptive method with male or female condoms which could lower sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy. Ethiopian standard utilization of dual contraceptive is low. The hassle is more severe for HIV/AIDS-infected people. Therefore, this review was aimed at assessing dual contraceptive utilization and factor associated with people living with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia.

Method

International databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Hinari, Embase, African Journals Online, Scopus, and Google Scholar) and Ethiopian university repository online have been covered in this review. Microsoft Excel was used for extraction, and the Stata 14 software program was used for analysis. We detected the heterogeneity between studies using the Cochran Q statistic and I² test. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plot and Egger's and Begg's tests.

Result

The overall prevalence of dual contraceptive use among people living with HIV/AIDS was 27.73% (95% CI: 20.26-35.19) in Ethiopia. Discussion with the partner (OR: 3.78, 95% CI: 3.08-4.69), HIV status disclosure to the spouse/partner (OR: 2.810, 95% CI: 2.26-3.48), postdiagnosis counseling (OR: 5.00, 95% CI: 3.71-6.75), schooling in secondary and above education (OR: 3.78, 95% CI: 2.41-5.93), partner involvement in counseling (OR: 2.76, 95% CI: 1.99-3.82), urban residence (OR: 2.84, 95% CI 2.03-3.94), and having no fertility desire (OR: 4.01, 95% CI 2.91-5.57) were significantly associated with dual contraceptive use.

Conclusion

Dual contraceptive utilization among people living with HIV/AIDS was found to be low in Ethiopia. This will be a significant concern unless future intervention focuses on rural residence, involvement of the partner in postdiagnosis counseling, encouraging the people living with HIV/AIDS to disclose HIV status, and discussion with the partner. Providing counseling during the antenatal and postnatal period also enhances dual contraceptive use.

Dual Contraceptive Use and Associated Factors Among Reproductive Age Group on Antiretroviral Therapy in Borena District, Northeast Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Dual contraceptive method use is defined as the use of any modern contraceptive method with a condom for the reduction of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and sexually transmitted infections between sexual partners. The goal of this study was to assess the proportion and factors associated with dual contraceptive use among reproductive age women on antiretroviral therapy in Borena district, Northeast Ethiopia.

Objective

To assess the proportion of dual contraceptive use and associated factors among the reproductive age women on antiretroviral therapy in Borena district, Northeast Ethiopia.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among HIV positive reproductive age group women on antiretroviral therapy in Borena district from February 1 to March 1, 2020. A systematic random sampling technique was used to include 417 study participants. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. A binary logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with dual contraceptive use. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) and P-value were calculated to assess the strength of association.

Results

The results showed that 19.4% of the HIV positive reproductive age group on antiretroviral therapy were using dual contraceptive method. Urban area (AOR=3.66, 95% CI=1.66-8.09), educated to secondary education and above (AOR=3.54, 95% CI=1.29-9.76), those who have no desire to have a child (AOR=4.41, 95% CI=2.66-7.59), those with partners whose HIV status was negative (AOR=4.96, 95% CI=2.66-12.02) and those with partners whose HIV status was positive (AOR=2.45, 95% CI=1.25-4.81) were more likely to use the dual contraception method.

Conclusion

This study showed that the proportion of dual contraceptive use was found to be low in accordance with the WHO recommendation. Therefore increased awareness on the advantages of dual contraception and knowing partner's HIV status is important.

Dual contraception method utilization and associated factors among sexually active women on antiretroviral therapy in Gondar City, northwest, Ethiopia: a cross sectional study

BACKGROUND

Mother to child transmission is responsible for 90% of child infection with human immune deficiency virus (HIV). Dual contraceptive use is one of the best actions to prevent mother's human immune deficiency virus transmission to her child and partner. This study aimed at assessing the prevalence and factors associated with dual contraceptive use among sexually active women on antiretroviral therapy in Gondar City, northwest, Ethiopia.

METHODS

An institution based cross sectional study was conducted in Gondar City public health facilities from December 1 to 31, 2018. Systematic random sampling technique was utilized to include 563 study participants. Data were collected by interview using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was made to compute mean, median and proportion. Finally, multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify the factors associated with dual contraceptive method utilization. Analysis was performed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of dual contraceptive method utilization among sexually active women on antiretroviral therapy was 28.8% (95% CI: 24.9, 32.7). Women aged 35-49 years (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 6.99; 95% CI: 3.11, 15.71)), who lived in urban areas (AOR: 4.81; 95% CI: 2.04, 11.31), attended secondary and above education (AOR: 4.43; 95% CI: 1.92, 10.22), and disclosed HIV status to sexual partners (AOR: 9.84; 95% CI: 3.48, 27.81) were more likely to use dual contraceptive method.

CONCLUSION

In this study, the proportion of women who utilized dual contraceptive method was low. Age, place of residence, educational status and disclosure of HIV status were factors associated with dual contraceptive use. Therefore, providing education about the advantages of disclosing HIV status to sexual partners and strengthening of counseling about the advantages of dual contraceptive use will be helpful in enhancing the use of dual contraceptive method among sexually active women on antiretroviral therapy.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Serodiscordance and Dual Contraceptive Method Use Among Human Immunodeficiency Virus-infected Men and Women in Lilongwe, Malawi

BACKGROUND

Some human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serodiscordant couples are faced with the dual challenge of preventing HIV transmission to the uninfected partner and avoiding unintended pregnancy. Therefore, we hypothesized that serodiscordance is associated with dual method use at last sex.

METHODS

We analyzed data from a cross-sectional survey of HIV-infected men and women attending 2 ante-retroviral therapy clinics in Lilongwe, Malawi. We used Fisher exact test and Wilcoxon rank sum to assess for associations between serodiscordance, covariates, and dual method use. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of dual method use at last sex, comparing serodiscordant to seroconcordant relationships. Separate analyses were conducted for men and women.

RESULTS

We surveyed 253 HIV-infected men, of which 44 (17.4%) were in a known serodiscordant relationship and 63 (24.9%) were using dual methods at last sex. Likewise, among 302 HIV-infected women surveyed, 57 (18.9%) were in a known serodiscordant relationship, and 80 (26.5%) were using dual method at last sex. Serodiscordance was not significantly associated with dual method use at last sex for among HIV-infected men (aOR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.27-1.44) or women (aOR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.59-2.47).

CONCLUSION

Dual method use was low among all HIV-infected individuals, irrespective of their partner's HIV status. Given these findings, we recommend greater efforts to encourage HIV providers to counsel their patients about the importance of dual method use to prevent both unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

Preventing syndemic Zika virus, HIV/STIs and unintended pregnancy: dual method use and consistent condom use among Brazilian women in marital and civil unions

Syndemic Zika virus, HIV and unintended pregnancy call for an urgent understanding of dual method (condoms with another modern non-barrier contraceptive) and consistent condom use. Multinomial and logistic regression analysis using data from the Pesquisa Nacional de Demografia e Saúde da Criança e da Mulher (PNDS), a nationally representative household survey of reproductive-aged women in Brazil, identified the socio-demographic, fertility and relationship context correlates of exclusive non-barrier contraception, dual method use and condom use consistency. Among women in marital and civil unions, half reported dual protection (30% condoms, 20% dual methods). In adjusted models, condom use was associated with older age and living in the northern region of Brazil or in urban areas, whereas dual method use (versus condom use) was associated with younger age, living in the southern region of Brazil, living in non-urban areas and relationship age homogamy. Among condom users, consistent condom use was associated with reporting Afro-religion or other religion, not wanting (more) children and using condoms only (versus dual methods). Findings highlight that integrated STI prevention and family planning services should target young married/in union women, couples not wanting (more) children and heterogamous relationships to increase dual method use and consistent condom use.

From Pill to Condom, or Nothing at all: HIV Diagnosis and Discontinuation of Highly Effective Contraceptives Among Women in Northeast Brazil

This is a cross-sectional study examining highly effective contraceptive (HEC) use among HIV-positive women in Salvador, Brazil. We used multivariate logistic regression to look for predictors of alternative contraceptive choices among women who discontinued HEC after HIV diagnosis. Of 914 participants surveyed, 38.5% of participants used HEC before but not after diagnosis. Of these, 65.9% used condoms alone; 19.3% used no protection; and 14.8% reported abstinence. Use of condoms alone was associated with a history of other sexually transmitted infections (AOR 2.18, 95% CI 1.09-4.66, p = 0.029). Abstinence was associated with recent diagnosis (AOR 8.48, 95% CI 2.20-32.64, p = 0.002). Using no method was associated with age below 25 (AOR 5.13, 95% CI 1.46-18.00, p = 0.011); income below minimum wage (AOR 2.54, 95% CI 1.31-4.92, p = 0.006); HIV-positive partner status (AOR 2.69, 95% CI 1.03-7.02, p = 0.043); and unknown partner status (AOR 2.90, 95% CI 1.04-8.05, p = 0.042). Improved contraceptive counseling is needed after HIV diagnosis. Continuation of HEC should be encouraged for women wishing to prevent pregnancy, and may increase contraceptive coverage among HIV-positive women.

Factors associated with uptake of dual contraception among HIV-infected women in Bungoma County, Kenya: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

dual contraception, the use of non-barrier contraceptive method in combination with condoms, is an effective strategy in the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (eMTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the achievement of zero new HIV infections. Despite its effectiveness, dual contraception use among HIV-infected women in Kenya remains low. We identified factors associated with dual contraceptive uptake in Bungoma County, Kenya.

METHODS

this was a facility-based cross-sectional study in eight hospitals in Bungoma County. We interviewed women using structured questionnaires. We calculated descriptive statistics about the womens' baseline characteristics, examined the association between dual contraceptive use and other factors by calculating Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) and performed logistic regression.

RESULTS

we recruited 283 HIV-infected women.Among all enrolled women, 190 (67.1%) were aware of dual method and only 109 (38.5%) used dual contraception. The preferred dual pattern was male condom plus injectable contraceptive used by 53.2% of women (58/109). Among the 174 women who did not use dual contraception, 86 (49.4%) preferred using male condoms alone for contraception. Women were more likely to use dual contraception method if they were aware of dual contraception (AOR 12.2, 95% CI 4.7 - 31.7), used non-barrier contraceptives (AOR 9.8 95%; CI 4.5 - 21.3) and had disclosed their HIV status (AOR 7.1 95% CI 2.8 - 18.2) compared to those who did not.

CONCLUSION

dual contraceptive prevalence was low. Advocacy on dual contraception as an approach to preventing vertical transmission of HIV should be escalated in order to improve its uptake.

Linking HIV & family planning services to improve dual methods of contraception among women infected with HIV in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Background & objectives:

Preventing unintended pregnancies among people living with HIV (PLHIV) is one of the strategies of WHO for preventing parent-to-child transmission (PPTCT). Given the limitation of only condom use, the objective of this study was to improve use of dual contraceptive methods among HIV infected women.

Methods:

An experimental study among HIV positive women was conducted at two tertiary care level hospitals in Mumbai. Linking HIV with family planning services was the focus of intervention at one site and standard level of care was maintained at the control site. At each site, 150 HIV+ve women attending counselling and testing centres, who did not intend to get pregnant in the next one year and were eligible to use dual methods, were enrolled and followed up to one year.

Results:

At the end of one year, 60 per cent women in the intervention group reached Family Planning Centres compared to eight per cent in the control group. There was three times more acceptance and continuation of use of dual methods along with increase in consistent use of condoms and less number of unplanned pregnancies in the intervention group than the control group.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The study findings demonstrate that linking HIV and family planning services may facilitate the uptake of dual methods of contraception without reducing consistent condom use among HIV infected women. The PPTCT programmes need to focus on the component of Prong 2 of PPTCT which aims to prevent unintended pregnancies among HIV positive women.

Dual protection to address the global syndemic of HIV and unintended pregnancy in Brazil

BACKGROUND

Syndemic HIV and unintended pregnancy is prevalent in Brazil, where 79% of female HIV cases occur in women of reproductive age and 55% of all pregnancies are unintended. Although increasing condom use to prevent HIV may decrease non-barrier contraception and increase unintended pregnancy, few studies focus on dual protection or dual methods (condoms with another modern contraceptive).

AIM

To describe the correlates of dual method use and consistent condom use in women of reproductive age in Brazil.

METHOD

Data are from the 2006 Pesquisa Nacional de Demografia e Saúde da Mulher e da Criança, a decennial nationally representative household survey of women of reproductive age in Brazil. Multivariate logistic regression models identify the socio-demographic, sexual debut, fertility and relationship factors associated with dual method use and consistent condom use.

RESULTS

Two-thirds of contracepting women in Brazil used dual protection (40% exclusive condoms, 27% dual methods). Consistent condom use in the past year occurred among 61% of exclusive condom users and 27% of dual method users. Dual methods (vs exclusive condoms) was associated with some high school education [relative risk ratio (RRR)=1.69, p<0.05], living in the Southern region (RRR=1.59, p<0.01), and number of children (RRR=1.22, p<0.01), net of other factors. Consistent condom use was associated with condom use at sexual debut [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.84, p<0.001], wants no (more) children (AOR=1.86, p<0.001), single/separated relationship status (AOR=2.77/2.45, p<0.001) and using exclusive condoms (vs dual methods: AOR=0.19, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings highlight that targeting and delivering integrated HIV and family planning services should focus on completed/large families. single/separated individuals, and promoting dual protection at sexual debut.