Benefits and Challenges of Safer-Conception Counseling for HIV Serodiscordant Couples in Uganda.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-1-2018

Identifier

DOI: 10.1363/44e5718

Abstract

CONTEXT: Safer-conception counseling may help people living with HIV to reduce the risk of transmission to partners and children. However, such counseling is rarely offered or evaluated in low-income countries.

METHODS: In 2014-2015, in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted at a Ugandan HIV clinic with 42 HIV-positive clients and 16 uninfected partners who had participated in a safer-conception counseling intervention for serodiscordant couples seeking to have a child. Participants attended up to six monthly counseling sessions in which they received instruction and ongoing support in using the safer-conception method they selected. Content analysis of interview transcripts was used to identify themes related to the benefits and challenges of safer-conception counseling.

RESULTS: Almost two-thirds of participants felt that safer-conception counseling was an empowering experience that enabled them to make informed choices regarding childbearing, learn how to conceive safely and understand how to stay healthy while trying to conceive. Timed unprotected intercourse was the most frequently used safer-conception method. Seven couples had successful pregnancies, and no uninfected partners seroconverted. Participants' primary concerns and challenges regarding counseling and method use were issues with manual self-insemination, difficulty with engaging partners and fear of HIV infection.

CONCLUSIONS: Counseling can help HIV-infected individuals make informed choices about childbearing and safer-conception methods; however, a controlled clinical trial is needed to determine whether clients use such methods correctly and to assess rates of pregnancy and transmission. Policymakers need to consider including safer-conception counseling as part of routine HIV care.

Journal Title

Int Perspect Sex Reprod Health

Volume

44

Issue

1

First Page

31

Last Page

39

MeSH Keywords

Adult; Anti-Retroviral Agents; Counseling; Decision Making; Female; Fertilization; HIV Infections; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Pilot Projects; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Safe Sex; Sexual Partners; Social Support; Uganda; Young Adult

Keywords

Anti-Retroviral Agents; Counseling; Decision Making; Fertilization; HIV Infections; Health Knowledge; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Safe Sex; Sexual Partners; Uganda

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