Fertility, contraceptive use and client-provider discussions regarding fertility plans among women living with HIV in Western Ethiopia

Abstract

In the last decade, there has been improvement in the life expectancy of people living with HIV due to improved drug therapy and care and support programs. Improved health and survival allows women living with HIV (WLHIV) to provide and care for their families. Importantly, WLHIV who intend to have children need information and services focused on safe conception strategies while those who do not desire a child need access to effective contraceptive methods. However, fertility rates, contraceptive use and reproductive plans among this population are largely unknown, as are the ways in which practitioners and WLHIV might discuss fertility. This thesis therefore aimed to assess fertility, contraceptive use and client-provider discussions regarding reproductive plans among WLHIV in western Ethiopia. A multi-method approach comprising of a systematic review, a cross-sectional survey and qualitative study was used.