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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Phyllis J. Orner¹, Diane Cooper¹, Landon Myer², Virginia E. Zweigenthal³, and Linda-Gail Bekker⁴. (1) Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Faculty of Health Sciences, Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925, South Africa, 27 21 406 6797, porner@cormack.uct.ac.za, (2) Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Unit, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Faculty of Health Sciences, Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925, South Africa, (3) Metro District Health Services, Department of Health, Western Cape, Woodstock Hospital, Mountain Road, Woodstock, South Africa, (4) Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Institute of Infectious Diseases & Molecular Medicine, Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925, South Africa

Background: There has been little research investigating the sexual and reproductive choices and rights of HIV-infected individuals, especially in heavily affected countries such as South Africa. Nor has this issue been addressed in the public health sector, notwithstanding access to antiretroviral treatment. This research investigated the sexual and reproductive health choices, rights and needs of HIV-infected individuals. Methods: Qualitative research was conducted with HIV-infected women and men attending HIV care at a primary health care clinic. Focus group discussions were held with women (4) and men (4), and in-depth interviews were held with men (4). Data were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Results: Respondents praised their HIV/AIDS care, reflected on how it improved their quality of life, and contrasted this with suboptimal care at other facilities, including reproductive health services. Women wanted integrated services, especially for contraception and to reduce stigma. Participants prioritized getting well over having children, played out against desires to have at least one child, and social pressures to have children. HIV-infected men's support of male condoms, but lack of experience with reproductive health services and antipathy towards TOP and female condoms, were highlighted. Challenges to involving men in sexual and reproductive health and measures to address this were identified. Conclusions: These results will inform the development of initiatives to improve addressing the sexual and reproductive health needs and rights of HIV-infected individuals in South Africa. Additional research is needed to help inform gendered policy development and interventions in this area.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Identify the facilitating factors and obstacles faced by people living with HIV/AIDS with regard to exercising reproductive health choices and realizing sexual health rights.
• Recognize the issues that need to be addressed in order to develop public health services that will optimize provision towards the reproductive and sexual health needs and rights of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Keywords: Reproductive Health, HIV/AIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation