Factors associated with fertility desires and intentions among HIV positive women enrolled at a HIV treatment clinic in Windhoek, Namibia

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Fertility patterns among Persons living with HIV (PLHIV) could have important HIV prevention and demographic implications particularly in high prevalence settings. Fertility volitions and associated factors among PLHIV have been documented in many countries, but there is a paucity of data on Namibia. Knowledge on health worker attitudes towards positive parenting is also lacking. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data was collected from 50 HIV positive women of reproductive age using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Social, demographic, sexual, reproductive and other variables were explored. In addition, a self-administered questionnaire was presented to 15 health workers at the target site to assess the service provider environment vis-à-vis positive parenting. The mean age of the HIV positive women was 34.2 years and 71.4% were sexually active. Most (80%) were in relationships but only 10% were married. Approximately 22.2% did not know their partner's HIV status and 17% had not disclosed their HIV status to their partner. Childbearing after HIV diagnosis was common and fertility desires (44.9%) and intentions (42%) were abundant. The service provider environment was generally PLHIV friendly but discouraged childbearing especially among women who were already parents. Descriptive analysis showed possible connections between elevated fertility desires and/or intentions and higher education levels, having a partner, not having children, not having children in the current relationship, history of HIV related child death, less formal relationships, shorter relationships, disclosure to partner, awareness of partner's status, having a HIV negative partner, STI treatment after HIV diagnosis, Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission experience as well as anti-retroviral therapy status. Of the relationships subjected to inferential analysis, none was statistically significant. Many were not testable due to limitations emanating from the small sample size.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University