Parenting Desires Among Individuals Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in the United States.

• Authors: Susan E Cohn, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; Lisa Haddad, Emory University; Anandi Sheth, Emory University; Christina Hayford, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; Joan S Chmiel, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; Patrick F Janulis, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; Justin Schmandt, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
• Journal Title: Open Forum Infectious Diseases
• Volume: Volume 5, Number 10
• Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP) | 2018-10, Pages ofy232-ofy232
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1093/ofid/ofy232
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Public Health; Health Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Keywords: ART; HIV; parenting; reproductive health; women

Abstract

Background: In 1988, 1 of 3 women (W) and heterosexual men living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) reported wanting children, but little is known about parenting desires of men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV. We examined parenting desires among persons initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART). Methods: Of 1809 participants in the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) Study 5257, 1425 W aged ≤45 years or men completed questionnaires about parenting desires at baseline and 96 weeks after initiating ART. Self-reported desires for children in the future (yes/unsure vs no) and associations between baseline sociodemographics and parenting desires at 96 weeks were examined using multivariable logistic regression, overall and within subgroups. Results: The 1425 participants were as follows: 36% white, 39% black, 22% Hispanic; median age 36 (interquartile range, 28-44); 70% MSM, 13% men reported sex only with W (MSW), 17% W. At baseline, 42% may want children in the future (42% MSM, 37% MSW, 43% W); at 96 weeks, 41% may want children (41% MSM, 37% MSW, 43% W). At follow-up, approximately 10% of responses changed in each direction. In multivariable analyses, education greater than high school, <30 years, and having no children were significantly associated with future parenting desires among all subgroups. Among MSM, being black was associated with desiring children. Conclusions: Approximately 40% of MSM, W, and MSW with HIV may want children, both at baseline and 96 weeks after ART initiation. These results highlight the need to regularly assess parenting goals, provide access to comprehensive reproductive services, and address prevention of vertical and heterosexual HIV transmission.