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Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research article

Fertility intentions and contraceptive practices among clinic-users living with HIV in Kenya: a mixed methods study

Authors: Susannah H. Mayhew, Manuela Colombini, James Kelly Kimani, Keith Tomlin, Charlotte E. Warren, Richard Mutemwa, for the Integra Initiative

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2017

Abstract

Background

Preventing unwanted pregnancies in Women Living with HIV (WLHIV) is a recognised HIV-prevention strategy. This study explores the fertility intentions and contraceptive practices of WLHIV using services in Kenya.

Methods

Two hundred forty women self-identifying as WLHIV who attended reproductive health services in Kenya were interviewed with a structured questionnaire in 2011; 48 were also interviewed in-depth. STATA SE/13.1, Nvivo 8 and thematic analysis were used.

Results

Seventy one percent participants did not want another child; this was associated with having at least two living children and being the bread-winner. FP use was high (92%) but so were unintended pregnancies (40%) while living with HIV. 56 women reported becoming pregnant “while using FP”: all were using condoms or short-term methods. Only 16% participants used effective long-acting reversible contraceptives or permanent methods (LARC-PM). Being older than 25 years and separated, widowed or divorced were significant predictors of long-term method use. Qualitative data revealed strong motivation among WLHIV to plan or prevent pregnancies to avoid negative health consequences. Few participants received good information about contraceptive choices.

Conclusions

WLHIV need better access to FP advice and a wider range of contraceptives including LARC to enable informed choices that will protect their fertility intentions, ensure planned pregnancies and promote safe child-bearing.

Trial registration

Integra is a non-randomised pre-post intervention trial registered with Current Controlled Trials ID: NCT01694862.

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Title: Fertility intentions and contraceptive practices among clinic-users living with HIV in Kenya: a mixed methods study
Authors: Susannah H. Mayhew
Manuela Colombini
James Kelly Kimani
Keith Tomlin
Charlotte E. Warren
Richard Mutemwa
for the Integra Initiative
Publication date: 01-12-2017
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-017-4514-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Fertility intentions and contraceptive practices among clinic-users living with HIV in Kenya: a mixed methods study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

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