Abstract
BackgroundThe reproductive decisions made by PLHIV and their partners have a long-term consequences for the survival and wellbeing of their families and a society at large. Evidence relating to fertility and reproductive intentions among PLHIV is rare, despite the fact that more than 80% of PLHIV are of reproductive age. The aim of the study was to determine fertility desire and associated factors among PLHIV attending ART clinic in Fitche Hospital.MethodsA facility based cross-sectional study design with both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods was employed from February21-April 20th, 2013. The study participants were selected by using simple random sampling technique. A pre- tested structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify associated factors.ResultThe prevalence of fertility desire of PLHIV in Fitche Hospital was 133(39.1%) with 95% CI of (34.3% -44.3%). This study identified that factors found to be associated with fertility desire were: − Age from 18-29y [AOR = 3.95, 95% CI: 1.69 - 9.22) and 30-39y (AOR = 3.91, 95% CI: 1.90 -8.19)], marital length ≤4y [AOR = 5.49, 95% CI: 2.08-14.51), within 5-9y (AOR = 4.80, 95% CI: 2.14-10.78) and 10-14y (AOR = 2.82, 95% CI: 1.19 -6.63], had not biological living children [AOR = 11.42, 95% CI: 3.27-39.90) and had more than one child (AOR = 3.67, 95% CI: 1.27-10.62)], community pressure [AOR = 3.67, 95% CI: 1.54-8.70], partner fertility [AOR = 7.18, 95% CI: 3.39-15.22)], duration HIV diagnosis≤1y[AOR = 4.99, 95% CI: 1.91-13.09], disclosed HIV serostatus [AOR = 3.9, 95% CI: 1.37-11.10] and partner sero-difference [AOR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.01- 4.15] were some of the factors significantly associated with fertility desire.ConclusionThe prevalence of fertility desire of PLHIV in the study area was 39.1%. In this study:- age, marital length, biological child, partner, community pressure, duration of HIV-diagnosis, discordant HIV-test and disclosure of HIV-serostatus to partner were demonstrated to have more associations with fertility desire among PLHIV, therefore, these factors should be emphatically considered during PLHIV’s reproductive health program development.
Highlights
The reproductive decisions made by People living with Human immuno virus (HIV) (PLHIV) and their partners have a long-term consequences for the survival and wellbeing of their families and a society at large
This shift has been mainly informed by a reproductive rights approach and universal access to prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT)/Antiretroviral therapy (ART) interventions and the availability of assisted reproductive techniques for HIV infected people in developed countries which have dramatically reduced the chances of sexual and perinatal HIV transmission [5,6]
It is important to study fertility desires and associated factors among PLHIV because HIV can be transmitted in the same way that pregnancy is achieved, that is, through unprotected hetero-sexual intercourse [8]
Summary
The reproductive decisions made by PLHIV and their partners have a long-term consequences for the survival and wellbeing of their families and a society at large. Policies in many countries discouraged HIV-infected individuals from having children in order to reduce the number of children born with HIV or born to HIV-infected parents, but a more flexible approach towards reproductive choices of PLHIV has emerged This shift has been mainly informed by a reproductive rights approach and universal access to PMTCT/ART interventions and the availability of assisted reproductive techniques for HIV infected people in developed countries which have dramatically reduced the chances of sexual and perinatal HIV transmission [5,6]. This has given rise to the growing recognition of the rights of PLHIV to have children or prevent unintended pregnancies [7]. It is important to study fertility desires and associated factors among PLHIV because HIV can be transmitted in the same way that pregnancy is achieved, that is, through unprotected hetero-sexual intercourse [8]
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