Masters Degrees (African Centre for HIV/AIDS Management)

Permanent URI for this collection

https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/86827

Browse

Browsing Masters Degrees (African Centre for HIV/AIDS Management) by Subject "African centre for HIV/AIDS management"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Behavioural research examining contraceptive practices and fertility intentions of women living with HIV
    (Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2010-03) Magadzire, Bvudzai Priscilla; Davis, Burt; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study examines whether an HIV positive status will influence fertility decision-making and contraceptive practices of women in living with HIV (WLHIV) or if improved antiretroviral therapy (ART) and regular HIV care can also make a contribution to their choices. The study was qualitative and it utilized a document analysis, a focus group discussion and interviews held in Khayelitsha, South Africa. A total of 30 women living with HIV aged between 18-45 years formed part of the study. Additional interviews were conducted with the health care worker and the Support Group Coordinator. Data was analysed through the identification of emerging themes and grouping of similar data. The responses given by the participants provided an understanding of the thought processes around contraceptive use and fertility decision-making for WLHIV. Evidently, contraceptive practices and fertility intention change over time (due to knowledge change of plans, partner or family opposition, side effects, or changes to their economic or educational situation among other reasons). Although the study population (n=30) was too small to make definite conclusions, the findings seem to tell of a transition towards the realisation of the rights of WLHIV. In spite of the many challenges that are faced by WLHIV, there seems to be a fairly conducive environment (both in terms of policy and resources) to enable WLHIV to fulfil their fertility intentions. However, there is need for programme planners to enhance ways of putting policy into practice. Finally, it would be useful to invest further into research to obtain a broader list of WLHIV’s experiences, their rationale for making certain decisions regarding their reproductive health choices and the level of importance assigned to each reason. This was beyond the scope of this study.