Reproductive desires and intentions of HIV-positive women of reproductive age attending the adult HIV clinic at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in the medical management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has modified the natural history of HIV, resulting in improvements in the quality of life and life expectancy of women living with HIV. Consequently, many HIV-positive women of reproductive age are considering the possibility of having their own biological offspring. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among HIV-positive women of reproductive age attending the adult HIV clinic at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria. Equal numbers of HIV-positive women of reproductive age in serodiscordant and seroconcordant relationships, who met the selection criteria, were recruited using convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested questionnaire in a face-to-face interview, and were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences statistical software (version 17) to determine their reproductive intentions using Chi-square and t-test. Multiple logistic regressions were used to determine the relationship between independent variables and the intentions of respondents to have children. Results: A total of 500 women were recruited for the study (250 in serodiscordant relationship and 250 in seroconcordant relationship). The overall reproductive desires and intentions were 60% and 56.4%, respectively. The reproductive intentions among those in serodiscordant and seroconcordant relationships were 63.2% and 49.6%, respectively. The difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: The reproductive intentions among the HIV- positive women in this study were high, the intentions being much higher among those in serodiscordant relationship. With a compelling intention to exercise their parenthood, there is a need for us to provide appropriate reproductive and sexual health services and support for all HIV-positive women of reproductive age.