Perspectives on safer conception practices and preconception counseling among women living with HIV

Health Care Women Int. 2016 Oct;37(10):1096-118. doi: 10.1080/07399332.2015.1107068. Epub 2015 Oct 22.

Abstract

Pregnancies are frequently unplanned, and higher rates of unplanned pregnancies occur among HIV-infected women. Reviewers examined reproductive decision making, conception practices, and patient-provider communication among women living with HIV. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 19 HIV-infected sexually active women aged 18-45 in southern Florida, USA. Using thematic analysis, we found decisions to conceive were influenced by women and partners; knowledge and use of safer conception practices were low. Discussion and support from partners, family, and providers was limited and diminished by stigma and nondisclosure. Preconception counseling discussions in HIV care should be comprehensive and initiated frequently by all health care providers.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Contraception / psychology*
  • Counseling / methods*
  • Female
  • Florida
  • HIV Infections / psychology*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / prevention & control
  • Intention
  • Preconception Care* / methods
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / prevention & control
  • Professional-Patient Relations
  • Reproductive Health
  • Sexual Partners* / psychology