Effect of Disclosure and Social Support on Change in Childbearing Intentions among People Diagnosed with HIV
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Date
2019
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Social Science and Humanities Journal
Abstract
Majority of PLWHA remain sexually active, reproduction among PLWHA are clinical and concerned more on transmission prevention rather than childbearing plans and intentions. There are limited data on childbearing intentions of PLWHA, especially when comparing those whose sexual partners and/or significant others are aware of their HIV status. The study used Information-Motivation- Behavioural Skills Model and Theory of Planned Behaviour in analysing relationship between disclosure and change in sexual behaviour/childbearing intentions among known HIV patients. A cross sectional study of PLWHA attending care and treatment centre was conducted using both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. Selected subsamples of the survey respondents participated in in-depth interviews and 13 were interviewed. Descriptive statistics were calculated to determine rate of disclosure and other outcomes. Respondents were between the ages of 20-49, belonged to one religious group or the other, a large percentage (56.7%) had secondary education, majority; 90.9% revealed their HIV status to at least one person whereas 50.6% disclosed to their sexual partners. Female respondents disclosed to sexual partners than males (64.2% versus 37.2%, respectively). Doctors/health professionals gave the overall greatest source of support. Only 24.7% reporting abstinence in 12 months while only 20 (9.4%) changed their reproductive intentions after disclosure. Majority reported receiving more social support after disclosure; disclosure was related to changes in sexual behaviour but not related to childbearing intentions. The study suggests that counsellors and Healthcare providers should provide accurate reproductive health information to guide PLWHA in making informed choices regarding their reproductive goals.
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Keywords
Disclosure, Social support, Change, Sexual behaviour, Childbearing intentions