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

Abstract EN

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.