Provider perspectives on barriers to reproductive health services for HIV-infected clients in Central Malawi.

Abstract

Despite widespread availability of Depo-Provera in HIV clinics in Malawi, coverage of family planning (FP) remains low. We sought to understand provider perspectives about the challenges of providing reproductive health services to HIV-infected clients in antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics in Central Malawi by conducting surveys and semi structured in-depth interviews with 31 ART providers across 16 clinical sites. Additionally, site surveys were performed to assess contraceptive resources. Major barriers to the provision of FP in ART clinics were inadequate staff in the facility, shortage of trained providers, limited time to counsel on FP, and lack of private space for the provision of FP services. These barriers limit the direct delivery of FP in ART clinics. Strategies to integrate FP with HIV/ART services and task shifting FP service provision to non-ART providers should be explored in Malawi as a means to improve coverage of services to HIV-infected clients.