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Title
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Mirror, mirror on the wall: the face of HIV plus women in Europe today
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Author
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Abstract
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| 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. |
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Language
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English
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Source (journal)
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Aidscare. - Abingdon, 1995, currens
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Publication
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Abingdon
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2010
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ISSN
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0954-0121
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DOI
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10.1080/09540121003758564
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Volume/pages
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22
:8
(2010)
, p. 919-926
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Article Reference
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PII 923038118
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ISI
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000280546100002
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Pubmed ID
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20552467
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Full text (Publisher's DOI)
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