Contraception choices in a cohort of HIV+ women in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy

Abstract

Background: The study was conducted to determine whether increased desire for fertility coupled with increased awareness of reduction in mother-to-child HIV transmission (MTCT) with increased availability and use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been associated with reduction in use of tubal sterilization as a form of contraception among women infected with HIV.

Study design: One hundred HIV+ women, 18 to 45 years of age, receiving care at university-affiliated HIV facilities between October 2008 and February 2009, were surveyed about their contraceptive knowledge and practices. We performed descriptive analysis of population characteristics to determine contraception choices and fertility desires following initiation of HAART.

Results: The study group was composed of women with median age of 35 years, 55% African American, 18% Caucasians, 19% Hispanic and 8% "other". Most (63%) were single; 36% were married. Contraception choices were condom 61%, injectable contraceptive 7%, pills 6% and only 3% said they used female sterilization. Thirty-four percent of respondents said that their choice of contraception was based primarily on ease of use, 19% said that their choice was primarily based on convenience and only 9% said that their choice was primarily based on provider recommendation. Desire for future childbearing increased to 19% following knowledge that MTCT can be reduced by taking antiretroviral therapy (ARV) and to 22% following initiation of ARV.

Conclusions: Initiation of ARV and awareness that maternal treatment can reduce MTCT may explain lower use of female sterilization as a form of contraception among a cohort of HIV+ women in the post HAART era.