Contraceptive use is essential for reproductive-aged women living with HIV to plan and optimize the safety of pregnancies. Clinicians play a vital role in counseling patients about contraception and safe sexual activity. This study aimed to determine the frequency and predictors of discussions regarding sexual activity and contraceptive use.
The present research is a retrospective clinical study of 128 reproductive-aged women treated for HIV. Researchers obtained evidence of discussion between treating doctors and patients regarding sexual activity and contraception and variables including patient age, doctor’s gender, time since HIV diagnosis, previous pregnancy, country of birth, and antiretroviral regimen from medical records.
In the study cohort, 27% of the women used contraception, 10% did not use contraception, and when a discussion regarding sexual activity was documented, contraception was 3.7 times more likely to be discussed (p=0.04).
The study concluded that discussions regarding sexual activity and contraception between HIV-infected women of reproductive age and their clinicians were inconsistent and suboptimal. Mechanisms to facilitate regular discussion about sexual activity and contraception between clinicians and women with HIV warrant further investigation.
Reference: https://srh.bmj.com/content/42/1/12
