Utilization of family planning services by young women living with HIV/AIDS in Kampala District

Abstract

This study aimed at exploring utilisation of Family Planning services by young women living with HIV/AIDS; receiving services in, and around Kampala. The purpose of the study was to investigate the Family Planning services available for young women living with HIV and level of utilisation of these services as well as examining factors affecting the utilisation of these services. The study also assessed the relevance, strengths and weaknesses of existing interventions. From the study, it can be concluded that there is an increasing number of young women living with HIV/AIDS entering child bearing age, and yet the services available are not fully meeting their Reproductive Health (RH) needs. Even where services are available, it was found, that due to a number of factors both individual and external;, the respondents have not fully embraced them. These factors mainly socio-cultural or institutional could possibly explain the increase in the number of unwanted pregnancy among young women living with HIV. In light of these findings, the study has suggested a number of recommendations that can inform both current and future interventions addressing the RH needs of young women living with HIV. From integration of Family Planning into existing HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment services to increasing service delivery points and generally increasing awareness on Family Planning. It is hoped that strategies such as these will motivate young women to take up Family Planning services for their own health and that of the children they choose to have.