Assessment of fertility desire and family planning utilization among people living with HIV and on antiretroviral treatment, Asella Hospital, Arsi Zone, Oromia Region

Abstract

Abstract
Background : Individual’s desire to have children and intention to use family planning method varies with demographic, socioeconomic,
and health status, including human immune deficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS).
However, concrete data is lacking on fertility desire and which of the factors affect utilization of family planning services.
Objective: To assess fertility desire and family planning utilization among People Living with HIV and on antiretroviral
therapy in Asella Hospital, Ethiopia.
Methods: A cross-sectional facility based study was conducted among 384 people who are living with HIV virus and on
antiretroviral treatment. Face to face interview using structured and pre-tested questionnaire and in-depth interview of health
care providers were carried out.
Results: More male than female (AOR= 0.01, 95% CI 0 - 0.25) and individuals who have no or one child than those with
two or more children (AOR= 115, 95% CI 3868.6) desired for children in the future. Single individuals had less desire than
married ones (AOR= 0.01, 95% CI 0 - 0.96). Family planning utilization among people living with HIV was 47.7% before
knowing their status while current users were 76.5%. Current family planning use was less among currently un married than
married, and among those who were on antiretroviral treatment during the last one-two years (AOR= 0.04, 95% CI 0.02 - 0.1)
and (AOR= 0.5, 95% CI 0.28 - 0.89) respectively.
Conclusion: The desire for children among people living with HIV and on antiretroviral treatment was high and varies by sex,
marital status, and the number of children they already have. Family planning utilization among people on antiretroviral
therapy was high and nearly doubled after they knew their HIV status. Married and those who were on antiretroviral treatment
for more than two years were more likely to use family planning method. The high fertility desire is a concern for the prevention
of mother to child transmission counseling program(Ethiopian Journal of Reproductive Health , 2012,6(1): 22-29).
Key words:- Desire, pregnancy, PLWHA, Asella