Behaviorally and perinatally HIV-infected young women: targets for preconception counseling

Abstract

This study aimed to describe demographic and psychological characteristics among HIV-infected young women, and to identify knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors associated with conception, with the goal of informing interventions or programmatic decisions regarding preconception counseling methods for young women living with HIV. Behaviorally and perinatally HIV-infected young women (n = 34) were conveniently sampled in Miami, Florida. Participants were asked to complete measures of reproductive knowledge, attitudes toward conception, and risk behaviors, as well as measures of depression and cognitive functioning. Perinatally and behaviorally HIV-infected young women were very similar in important areas of health preconception practices such as conception-related health literacy and conception-related communication with providers. Behaviorally infected women, however, were somewhat more likely to have been pregnant in the past, and had greater knowledge of healthy contraception practices and family planning. Despite the difference among groups, both the perinatally and behaviorally acquired women demonstrated having adequate overall knowledge. Depression was higher and consistent with moderate depression among the behaviorally HIV-infected women in comparison to perinatally infected women. This study found that that despite adequate reproductive knowledge, most young HIV-infected women were not using contraception. Given the consequences of presentation of advanced HIV during pregnancy, the need for both treatment adherence and preconception counseling is essential. Results suggest that interventions or programmatic decisions regarding preconception counseling methods for young women living with HIV are necessary and potentially transferrable between populations.

Pregnant with HIV before age 25: data from a large national study in Italy, 2001–2016

“…This significant role of younger age and foreign origin in pregnancy planning is consistent with the marked differences reported in fertility and abortion rates between Italian and foreign women [10], and with the higher rate of induced abortion observed in younger women with HIV [11]. Overall, these findings underline the urgent need to promote more efficiently HIV testing and reproductive counseling among young [12,13] and migrant women [14]. It has already been shown that women with HIV are less likely to receive adequate and timely prenatal care compared with women without HIV [15].…”

“We need our own clinics”: Adolescents’ living with HIV recommendations for a responsive health system

“…Adolescents living with HIV are sexually active and have intentions of parenthood. However, evidence indicates that female adolescents living with HIV rarely discuss pregnancy intentions with family or providers, suggesting a potential fear of being judged for wanting to conceive when living with HIV [48]. Indeed, 16% of all adolescents in South Africa experience pregnancy, many of whom will be or are HIV infected [7].…”

Pregnancy outcomes in perinatally HIV-infected young women in Madrid, Spain: 2000-2015

“…[ 25 ] Preconception care and counseling are very important for pregnancy planning but also to ensure that perinatally infected women are on effective ART to avoid HIV transmission to their partners and their future children. [ 26 ]…”