Effect of Disclosure and Social Support on Change in Childbearing Intentions among People Diagnosed With Hiv
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Date
2019
Authors
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Publisher
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.
Description
Effect of Disclosure and Social Support on Change in Childbearing
Intentions among People Diagnosed With Hiv
Keywords
Disclosure, Social support, Child bearing intentions, Sexual behaviour