HIV Care Providers' Communication with Patients About Safer Conception for People Living with HIV in Tanzania
Title | HIV Care Providers' Communication with Patients About Safer Conception for People Living with HIV in Tanzania |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2016 |
Authors | Saleem, HT, Surkan, PJ, Kerrigan, D, Kennedy, CE |
Journal | Int Perspect Sex Reprod Health |
Volume | 42 |
Pagination | 179-186 |
Date Published | Dec 01 |
ISBN Number | 1944-0391 |
Accession Number | 28825897 |
Abstract | CONTEXT: People living with HIV may desire children, but often lack information about safer conception and pregnancy and face barriers to obtaining high-quality reproductive health services. To inform clinical guidance that supports HIV-affected couples wanting to conceive, it is important to better understand communication between patients and providers about childbearing and safer-conception guidelines for people living with HIV. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 providers of HIV-related services in seven health facilities in Iringa, Tanzania, and with 60 HIV-positive women and men attending study facilities. The study followed an iterative research process and used thematic content analysis. RESULTS: Providers reported that they had received limited training on childbearing and safer conception for HIV-positive people, and that clinical guidance in Tanzania on the subject is poor. Although many providers mentioned that people living with HIV have the right to bear children, some HIV-positive patients reported having been discouraged by providers from having more children. Only a few HIV-positive patients reported having learned about safer-conception strategies for HIV-affected couples through discussions with health providers. CONCLUSIONS: Guidance on safer-conception and safe-pregnancy counseling for women and men living with HIV in Tanzania needs to be updated. It is critical that providers be trained in safe pregnancy and safer conception for HIV-affected couples, and that HIV and sexual and reproductive health services be integrated, so that HIV-positive patients and their partners are able to plan their pregnancies and to receive the care they need to manage their health and their pregnancies. |