Utilization of Modern Family Planning methods among women living with HIV/AIDS at TASO Mbarara, Uganda

Abstract

Introduction: Statistics show that more than 70% of people living with HIV/AIDS are in Sub-Saharan Africa. Uganda has one of the highest fertility rates with total fertility rate of 5.4 births per woman. Preventing unintended pregnancies among women living with HIV is one of the four prongs towards reducing Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV. Objective: The study assessed the utilization of modern family planning methods and associated factors among women living with HIV/AIDS at TASO Mbarara. Methods: The study was carried out at TASO Mbarara branch among HIV positive women of reproductive age. We conducted a cross sectional study using qualitative and quantitative methods. Quantitative data was collected through face-to-face interviews with a sample of 341 HIV positive women. Qualitative data was carried out among 5 key informant interviews and 6 in-depth interviews. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with utilization of modern family planning methods. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic method. Results: The study findings revealed the proportion of women who were utilizing modern family planning methods was at 67%. Variables that predicted utilization of modern family planning methods included spousal support [AOR 0.23, CI (0.06-0.97)], and privacy given during family planning counseling sessions [AOR 1.27, 95% CI (1.24-6.64)]. Conclusion: Utilization of modern family planning methods among HIV positive women is still low. Increasing male support for modern family planning should be encouraged. Health workers of all cadres should improve on privacy during counseling session.