15th Annual Conference of the British HIV Association 1-3 April 2009, Liverpool, UK

SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH OF HIV-POSITIVE WOMEN – SURVEY FROM A PROVINCIAL CENTRE

HIV Med 2009 Apr 1-3 (Suppl 1);15:19 (abstract no. P15)

S Moses and J Dhar
University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicestershire, UK

BACKGROUND: In our service sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues are dealt with within the general HIV clinic. Recent reports of dedicated one-stop SRH clinics indicate improved care provision. This survey was undertaken to ascertain the sexual practices, contraception use and pregnancy plans of HIV-positive women using our service and thus establish the potential for a dedicated SRH clinic.

METHODS: All women aged 18–50 years attending the HIV clinic during Nov 07–April 08 were asked to fill an anonymous questionnaire which included the following details – previous pregnancies, pregnancy plans, current sexual relationships, condom use and contraception. Women were directly asked their views regarding a dedicated SRH clinic.

RESULTS: 73% (114/156) respondents completed the questionnaire. Mean age was 34.4 years. Ninety-six percent were aware of the benefits of antiretroviral therapy in pregnancy and 39% of them were planning a future pregnancy. Seventy-four percent women reported consistent condom use. However, this decreased when another contraceptive method was used. Long acting, reversible contraception (LARC) use was higher in our group compared to its use in the general population (15% versus 9%), and was provided mainly by family planning or own doctor. Seventy-nine percent women indicated that a SRH clinic would be useful. The survey also identified limitations of the existing service.

CONCLUSIONS: Further information regarding the SRH of HIV-positive women accessing our service will be discussed. Data highlights differing practices with regard to sexual activity and contraceptive use when compared to the general population. In spite of high awareness of the benefits of HAART in pregnancy, women remain at risk of unplanned pregnancy. Condom use was sub-optimal and an interesting observation was this being sought from non NHS providers. Establishing a dedicated SRH clinic could optimize counselling, contraceptive provision and effective safe sex practices without fear of HIV status disclosure and drug interactions and is likely to be well received locally.

2009-04-01
P15

Copyright © 2009 - British HIV Association (BHIVA) Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the BHIVA Organising Secretariat 1 Mountview Court, 310 Friern Barnet Lane, London N20 0LD