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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Sha Juan Colbert, MPH, Bureau of Epidemiology/ HIV/AIDS Surveillance Section, Michigan Department of Community Health, 1151 Taylor St, Room 210B, Detroit, MI 48202, 313-876-4768, colbertsha@michigan.gov
BACKGROUND: HIV prevention and contraceptive initiatives need to present feasible options to HIV infected women. BC and safer sex methods used, by women living with HIV, can prevent unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV transmission.
METHODS: The Supplement to HIV/AIDS Surveillance (SHAS) study is a collaborative effort between CDC and 16 U.S. health departments. Individuals who receive HIV related care, at specific sites in SE MI, were invited to a one-time interview. For this study, we analyzed self-reported BC methods among HIV infected women from 1990- July 2000.
RESULTS: A total of 546 women were interviewed. Of these 546, 388 (71%) reported having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with one or more men in the 12 months prior to the interview. Of these 388, 177 (46%) reported using no BC. Condom use was reported among 138 (34%) and 112 (29%) reported a tubal ligation. BC pills were taken by 20 (5%) and 12 (3%) reported a hysterectomy. Fewer than 2.5% reported using: vaginal sponge (n=2), cervical cap (n=3), rhythm (n=0), withdrawal (n=0), Norplant (n=1), female condom (n=3), Depo Provera (n=9), and any other method (n=8).
CONCLUSION: The majority of the women reported having sex 12 months prior to the interview. Nevertheless, almost half reported not using BC and safer sex methods. Condoms were the most commonly reported method. These results suggest the following actions: 1) Encourage safer sex and contraception methods; 2) Expand condom use messages; and 3) Increase knowledge of methods available to HIV infected women.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Women and HIV/AIDS,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.