Title
|
|
|
|
Mirror, mirror on the wall: the face of HIV plus women in Europe today
| |
Author
|
|
|
|
| |
Abstract
|
|
|
|
Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and rights are important components of quality of life. This cross-sectional study describes HIV-positive women's SRH aspirations and needs and the predictive value of selected SRH factors on condom use with steady sexual partners. Data were collected in a European multi-centre study in 17 HIV centres in 14 European countries by a standardised anonymous self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and hierarchical regression analysis were carried out and qualitative data from related formative research illustrated the findings. Among 387 HIV-positive women, 57% had children and 35% had become pregnant since their HIV-diagnosis. Contraceptive needs were largely unmet: 14% had undergone a pregnancy termination. About 83% changed their sexual behaviour after HIV-diagnosis in some ways. Sixty-two percent had at least one sexual encounter with a steady partner during the past six months and 51% used condoms consistently. Significant correlations with condom use were identified for childbearing since HIV-diagnosis (r=-0.21, p0.01), miscarriage since HIV-diagnosis (r=-0.24, p0.01), the use of contraception (r=0.47, p0.001) and changes in sexual behaviour after HIV-diagnosis (r=0.20, p0.01). Hierarchical regression analysis controlled for education, migration background, age, undetectable viral load and partners' serostatus. The following significant predictors for condom use were established: the use of contraceptives (=0.33, p0.001); miscarriage since HIV-diagnosis (=-0.16, p0.01); childbearing since HIV-diagnosis (=-0.12, p0.05); and having an HIV-positive partner (=-0.13, p0.05). For study population, consistent condom use performed a challenge. Selected SRH-issues predicted condom use. Sexual risk reduction and positive prevention should be discussed in the context of family planning and integrate SRH perspectives in routine HIV care. |
| |
Language
|
|
|
|
English
| |
Source (journal)
|
|
|
|
Aidscare. - Abingdon, 1995, currens
| |
Publication
|
|
|
|
Abingdon
:
2010
| |
ISSN
|
|
|
|
0954-0121
| |
DOI
|
|
|
|
10.1080/09540121003758564
| |
Volume/pages
|
|
|
|
22
:8
(2010)
, p. 919-926
| |
Article Reference
|
|
|
|
PII 923038118
| |
ISI
|
|
|
|
000280546100002
| |
Pubmed ID
|
|
|
|
20552467
| |
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
|
|
|
|
| |
|