Magnitude of dual contraceptive method utilization and the associated factors among women on antiretroviral treatment in Wolaita zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

BackgroundExpanding the contraceptive options based on desires of families and personal context is critical to address the needs of users. For instance, dual contraceptive methods were recommended for people with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients to prevent HIV transmission, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unintended pregnancies. Disclosure is one of the strategies to reduce the stigma related to HIV and use of contraception clandestinely. However, there is a dearth of evidence regarding the magnitude of and the factors affecting dual contraceptive method utilization among sexually active women on antiretroviral treatment (ART).There is limited evidence regarding the association between disclosure to community and dual contraceptive utilization. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess the magnitude of dual contraceptive utilization and its associated factors among ART patients in this study area. Objectivethe primary objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of the dual contraceptive use. MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study design was employed to collect data from a total of 556 respondents by using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were entered in EpiData version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Binary logistic regression was applied to determine the magnitude of dual contraceptive utilization and the factors associated with it. Variables with p-value<0.25 were considered as candidate for multivariable logistic regression. In multivariate logistic regression, variables with a p-value < 0.05 were reported to be statistically significant. ResultThe magnitude of dual contraceptive utilization was 28.6% (95%CI: 24.8, 32.4). HIV sero-status disclosure to community (AOR:7.1 (95%CI: 4.8,10.2)), disclosure to sexual partners (AOR:3.1 (95%CI:1.2,7.8)), sexual activity (AOR: 4.7 (95%CI: 2.5, 10.0)), fertility desire (AOR:4.3 (95%CI:2.4,7.5)), history of STI (AOR: 3.2 (95%CI: 1.6, 6.6)), partners’ sero-HIV status (AOR:3.7 (95%CI:1.7,8.1)), and discussion with sexual partners about dual contraceptive methods (AOR:5.8 (95%CI:2.2,8.5)) were significantly associated with dual contraceptive utilization. ConclusionThis study found that a substantial number of mothers did not use dual contraceptive methods. Disclosure to community increases the use of dual contraceptive methods. Integrating the family planning with STI and ART care, strengthening the partner involvement during posttest counseling is recommended to increase the uptake of dual contraceptive methods utilization. Moreover, encouraging PLWHIV to disclose their HIV status to the community should be advocated.