Contraception and reproductive behavior of HIV-positive heterosexual partners of childbearing age
Olga Leshchenko (RU), Alina Atalyan (RU), Timofeeva Elena (RU), Suturina Larisa (RU)
[Leshchenko] Scientific center of family health and human reproduction problems, [Atalyan ] Scientific center of family health and human reproduction problems, [Elena] Scientific center of family health and human reproduction problems, [Larisa] Scientific center of family health and human reproduction problems
The aim of this study is to investigate the reproductive attitudes and sexual behavior of HIV-positive men and women of reproductive age. Methods: 82 HIV patients (47 women, aged 30,9 ± 4,5 years, and 35 men aged 31,1 ± 3,2 years), were invited to participate in the study. All patients underwent hospital treatment at the regional hospital of infectious diseases Irkutsk (Irkutsk, Russia).The inclusion criteria were as follows: reproductive age (18-40 years old), HIV-positive status, informed consent to participate in the survey. Data were collected on socio-demographic data (age, education, marital status, monthly household expenditure, occupation, and behavioral characteristics, number of sexual partners in the past 12 months, condom use in the past 12 months, HIV status disclosure, whether or not participants were on antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) and their duration on ARVs, perceived health status (Poor/fair; Good; and Very good).Partners of HIV patients - respondents did not request. We have not studied the HIV status of partners. The study has shown that HIV-infected men, more often than HIV-positive women, are married, have regular sex intercourses and are not interested in pregnancy of their female partner. It has been stated that 20 % of HIV-positive men and 26% of women do not use any contraceptives. The most common methods of contraception both for women and men are condoms and coitus interruptus. Thus with improved access to ART and increasing survival as well as the expansion of PMTCT services, more HIV women are likely to desire children. Yet, most family planning services for PLHIV focus predominantly on contraception with limited support for PLHIV who wish to have children. To ensure the SRH needs and rights of PLHIV, family planning services should cater for both the PLHIV who want children and those who wish to delay or limit childbearing.