Prevalence of and Barriers to Dual-Contraceptive Methods Use among Married Men and Women Living with HIV in India

Venkatesan Chakrapani,Trace Kershaw,Murali Shunmugam,Robert Dubrow,Peter A Newman,Deborah H Cornman

doi:10.1155/2011/376432

Abstract

Objective. To describe the prevalence and correlates of dual-contraceptive methods use (condoms and an effective pregnancy prevention method) and barriers to their use among married persons living with HIV (PLHIV) in India. Methods. We conducted a quantitative survey (93 men, 97 women), 25 in-depth interviews, seven focus groups, and five key informant interviews. Results. Prevalence of dual- contraceptive method use increased from 5% before HIV diagnosis to 23% after diagnosis (P < 0.001). Condoms were the most common contraceptive method, with prevalence increasing from 13% before diagnosis to 92% after diagnosis (P < 0.001). Barriers to using noncondom contraceptives were lack of discussion about noncondom contraceptives by health care providers, lack of acceptability of noncondom contraceptives among PLHIV, and lack of involvement of husbands in family planning counseling. Conclusion. There is a need for interventions, including training of health care providers, to increase dual-contraceptive methods use among married PLHIV.

Highlights

The sexual and reproductive health of persons living with HIV (PLHIV) is fundamental to their well-being and that of their partners and children
There is a need for interventions, including training of health care providers, to increase dual-contraceptive methods use among married PLHIV
Our study has offered useful information for designing interventions to promote use of dual-contraceptive methods among married men and women living with HIV in India

Summary

Introduction

The sexual and reproductive health of persons living with HIV (PLHIV) is fundamental to their well-being and that of their partners and children. Couples who desire to initiate a pregnancy require careful counselling regarding conception, antenatal care, and childbirth to minimize the risks of transmitting HIV to children and uninfected partners; couples who do not intend to initiate a pregnancy require effective contraception along with protection against both sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and infection or reinfection with HIV [4]. Simultaneous protection against both unwanted pregnancy and STIs/HIV is referred to as dual protection [5]. Dual protection can be accomplished by consistent male condom use alone; typical use of male condoms (hereafter referred to as condoms) as a contraceptive method results in a one-year cumulative incidence of unintended pregnancy of about 15% [6]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion