Prevalence and Factors Associated with Contraceptive Use among HIV-Infected Women of Reproductive Age Attending Infectious Disease Clinic at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, Northern Uganda

Abstract

Background Reproductive planning by HIV-infected women is essential, as it helps to prevent transmission of HIV to their unborn babies. Integrating contraceptive services to routine HIV care significantly increases the use of modern contraceptive methods, thus reducing vertical transmission of HIV. Objectives To determine the prevalence and factors associated with contraceptive use among HIV-infected women attending Infectious Disease Clinic (IDC) at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital (GRRH) in Northern Uganda. Methodology A hospital-based cross-sectional study was performed. We used simple random sampling to recruit HIV-infected women receiving routine care from IDC, GRRH, into our study. Sample size was estimated using modified Kish-Leslie formula and semistructured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was entered into EpiData version 3.1 and analysed using Stata v11.0. We used logistic regression model to assess the associations and any factor with p≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The prevalence of contraceptive use was found to be 36% (95% CI 31 – 40%). Factors which promoted contraceptive use were as follows: being married (aOR=2.68, 95% CI 1.54-4.65, p<0.001) and monthly income of $35 -250 (aOR= 2.38, 95% CI: 1.39- 4.09, p=0.002). Factors that hindered contraceptive use were having no child (nulliparity) (aOR= 0.16; 95% CI: 0.05-0.49; p=0.002) and age range of 31-49 years (aOR= 0.53; 95% CI: 0.33 - 0.84; p=0.007). Conclusion In this study, just over a third of sexually active HIV-infected women reported use of modern contraceptives. This is a low level of usage and, therefore, clinicians and stakeholders should sensitise HIV-infected women on the importance of contraceptive use in the fight against HIV/AIDS and encourage them to use contraceptives to avoid vertical transmission of HIV through unintended pregnancy.

Prevalence of dual contraceptive use and associated factors among HIV positive women at University of Gondar Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

“…Those women age 18–24 years [AOR = 4.79, 95% CI (1.72, 13.32)], age 25–34 years [AOR = 1.97, 95% CI (1.01, 3.85)] were having more odds of dual contraceptive use than those above 35 years old. This was supported by the finding of the study in Northern Uganda [30]. This finding was also supported by the finding in a systematic review done by Marge Berer [31].…”

“…Due to this, they may believe that they can’t afford expenses if they become pregnant and give birth. This assumption is supported by the finding of a study conducted northern Uganda [30] and Southwestern Uganda [32].…”

Unmet Need for Modern Family Planning and associated factors among Women Attending HIV Care Services at Rural Area Public Health facilities in South Gondar, Ethiopia.

“…Women who had ve and above parity had a higher unmet need for family planning than those women who had none parity. This nding consistent with studies done in Nigeria (50) and Northern Uganda (53). This might be due to women who had none or one child want a child soon no need of limiting and spacing or may have the desire of more children (19,54) and Multiparous mother may achieve desired family size.…”

Prevalence and predictors for unintended pregnancy among HIV-infected pregnant women in Lira, Northern Uganda: a cross-sectional study

“…A plausible explanation for this is that in a marital union there are open communication channels between the two individuals and this facilitates open discussion on reproductive-related issues like child-bearing and contraceptive use. Studies done elsewhere 15,16,31 also documented that WLH in a relationship were most likely to use contraception if there was open partner discussion among married couples. These communication channels 23 and South Africa 12,24,31 , demonstrate similar results.…”