학술논문

Fertility intentions and long-acting reversible contraceptive use among HIV-negative single mothers in Zambia
Document Type
Report
Source
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. April 2020, Vol. 222 Issue 4, S917.e1
Subject
Analysis
Single mothers
HIV
Oral contraceptives
Developing countries
Oral contraceptives -- Analysis
Developing countries -- Analysis
Single mothers -- Analysis
HIV (Viruses) -- Analysis
Language
English
ISSN
0002-9378
Abstract
Key words family planning; implant; IUD; unintended pregnancy Background Integrating family planning interventions with HIV studies in developing countries has been shown to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission and simultaneously reduce HIV and unintended pregnancy in high-risk populations. As part of a prospective cohort study on HIV incidence and risk factors in Zambian women having unprotected sex, we also offered family planning counseling and immediate access to long-acting reversible contraceptives. Although long-acting reversible contraceptives are the most effective form of contraception, many Zambian women are limited to oral or injectable methods because of a lack of knowledge or method availability. This project offers to single mothers who are enrolled in a cohort study information about and access to long-acting reversible contraceptives at enrollment and at each follow-up visit. Objective This study evaluates how fertility intentions affect long-acting reversible contraceptive use in HIV-negative single mothers in Zambia. Our primary outcome was long-acting reversible contraceptive use throughout the study participation. We also estimated rates of long-acting reversible contraceptive uptake and discontinuation. We specifically studied single mothers because they are at high risk for unintended pregnancy, which can have significant negative ramifications on their financial, social, and psychologic circumstances. Study Design From 2012--2017, Zambia Emory HIV Research Project recruited 521 HIV-negative single mothers ages 18--45 years from government clinics in Lusaka and Ndola, Zambia's 2 largest cities. Participants were followed every 3 months for up to 5 years. At each visit, we discussed fertility goals and contraceptive options and offered a long-acting reversible method to any woman who was not pregnant or who already was using a long-acting reversible or permanent contraceptive method. Data were collected on demographic factors, sexual behavior, and reproductive history. Multivariable logistic regression was used to model baseline fertility intentions with long-acting reversible contraceptive use. Results We enrolled 518 women; 57 women did not return for any follow-up visits. There was a significant increase in long-acting reversible contraceptive use during the study. At baseline, 93 of 518 women (18%) were using a long-acting reversible method, and 151 of 461 women (33%) used a long-acting reversible method at the end of follow-up period (P Conclusion This study demonstrates that integrated family planning services can increase long-acting reversible contraceptive use successfully among Zambian single mothers, who are a vulnerable population that disproportionately is affected by unintended pregnancy. A steady increase in use over time confirms the importance of repeated messaging about these unfamiliar methods. Thus, it is imperative that family planning interventions target single mothers in developing countries to promote effective contraceptive use.