FERTILITY DESIRE AMONG HIV POSITIVE MEN AND WOMEN IN FOLLOW UP CARE AT SPHMMC ART UNIT.

Abstract

ABSTRUCT Background: Globally, studies estimate that 75% of all HIV-positive people are of reproductive age. Sub-Saharan Africa is home to 60% of all people living with HIV/AIDS, and more than half of these are females. In Ethiopia HIV adult prevalence is estimated at 1.5% in 2011, However prevalence varies according to age, sex, gender and geographical location. According to the 2011 DHS adult prevalence was high among females compared to males at 1.9% versus 1.0% respectively. Thus, interventions to meet the reproductive health needs, and specifically the needs relating to a desire to have children of this population group need to be prioritized as many HIV-positive women continue to want to have babies despite knowledge of their HIV status. Now days, studies have shown that HIV infection may affect fertility by influencing desires and intentions for having children. On the other hand, studies of fertility intentions among HIV positive individuals have found ambivalence and mixed results while some studies reporting a strong desire to have children, consistent with the high social value placed on children and others doesn’t. Studies in number of settings have pointed to different factors which determine the fertility desire of HIV-positive women. For example, young age of HIV infected individuals is significantly associated with increased fertility desire. Decreased fertility desire is associated with divorce or separation, as well as having at least one child. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess fertility desire in HIV positive men and women on follow up care in SPHMMC ARV treatment units. Methods: The study was undertaken from May- June 2017 at SPHMMC ART unit, using quantitative cross-sectional study with sample of 260 PLWHA on follow up care. A pre- tested structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data was entered and analyzed with SPSS version 22. Result: One hundred nine (44.7%) of women and 76(35.2%) of men, overall 51.2% of HIV positive individuals receiving care at SPHMMC desired to have children. Generally HIV positive individuals who desired children are younger (18-29) (adjusted OR: 2.733(0.540-13.827), have no children (adjusted OR: 4.428(0.810-24.208) and had partner who also desire children (adjusted OR: 85.746(23.403-314.166) than those who do not desire children. Conclusion: A high proportion of HIV positive individuals who received medical care expressed a wish for parenthood and want to have children. In general young age, having no children and partners desire for children were highly associated with fertility desire. Keywords: Fertility Desire, People living with HIV, Antiretroviral Treatment