Reproductive Healthcare Needs and Desires in a Cohort of HIV-Positive Women

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Martina Louise Badell, Emory University; Eva Lathrop, Emory University; Lisa Haddad, Emory University; Peggy Goedken, Emory University; Minh Ly T Nguyen, Emory University; Carrie A Cwiak, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2012-04-20
• Publisher: Hindawi Publishing Corporation
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2012 Martina L. Badell et al.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported
• Final Published Version (URL): http://www.hindawi.com/journals/idog/2012/107878/
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology
• ISSN: 1064-7449
• Volume: 2012
• Issue: 2012
• Start Page: 1
• End Page: 6
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Abstract

Background. The aim of this study was to determine current contraceptive use, contraceptive desires and knowledge, future fertility desires, and sterilization regret in a cohort of HIV-positive women. Study Design. 127 HIV-positive women receiving care at an urban infectious disease clinic completed a survey addressing their contraceptive and reproductive histories as well as their future contraceptive and fertility desires. Results. The most common forms of contraception used were sterilization (44.4%) and condoms (41.3%). Less than 1% used a long-term reversible method of contraception (LARC) despite these being the methods that best fit their desired attributes of a contraceptive method. Overall, 29.4% desired future fertility. Only 50.6% of those sexually active had spoken with a provider within the last year regarding their contraceptive plans. There was a high degree of sterilization regret (36.4%), and 18.2% of sterilized women desired future fertility. Multivariate analysis found women in a monogamous relationship had a statistically increased rate of regret compared to women who were not sexually active (OR 13.8, 95% CI 1.6–119, P= 0.17). Conclusion. Given the diversity in contraceptive and fertility desires, coupled with a higher rate of sterilization regret than is seen in the general population, integration of comprehensive family planning services into HIV care via increased contraceptive education and access is imperative.