Factors Associated with Fertility Desires of HIV-infected Women in Bamrasnaradura Infectious Disease Institute

Abstract

This cross section descriptive was aimed at demonstrating the factors that related to the need of having baby among HIV infected female clients of Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute. Data collection was done by interviews and surveys questionnaires among the subjects. All enrolled women were in the reproductive ages, 15-49 years old. Enrollment period was from October, 2010 until December, 2010. The data was analyzed by chi-square and multiple logistic regression. The studied factors included age, occupation, education, income, ARV, CD4 count, viral load, and the number of children in family, disclosure of HIV status with spouse, knowledge, attitude and mood of patients. The study found that 243 out of 331 women infected with HIV who had spouses or sexual partners. In all, 68 (27.4%) patients wished to have children. The most frequently cited reason (53.8%) was that there would bring a new hope and inspiration. Factors that related to the need of having baby were level of education, the number of children of her couple and history of abortion. (p < 0.05). By multiple logistic regression, History of abortion and number of children were the most important factors to determine the need of having baby among women infected with HIV (OR = 2.47 and 2.08).