Factors influencing fertility desire among HIV sero discordant couples in Mkuranga and Kisarawe districts, Coast region

Abstract

Background: HIV sero discordant couples have desires and intentions to have children in future. There is little information on factors that influence desire and intention to bear children among HIV sero discordant couples in Tanzania. The aim of the study was to assess factors associated with fertility desire among HIV sero discordant couples in Mkuranga and Kisarawe, Coast region. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in 11 health facilities. The study population included HIV positive men and women who were in a HIV sero discordant relationship attending care and treatment centers in the selected health facilities. Data were analyzed using SPSS computer software. Cross tabulations and logistic regression methods were used to assess factors associated with fertility desire. Results: A total of 170 men and women participated in this study. Of these, 116 (68.2%) were females. About half of the participants were aged between 35 and 44 years. Out of all participants, 61.2% desired to have children. Among those who desired to have children, 73 (70.2%) intended to have one child. Older age and unemployment were independently associated with fertility desire after adjusting for other variables. Participants who were not employed were less likely to desire for children compared to those who were employed (adjusted OR=0.07; 95%CI=0.02-0.24). Eighty seven percent of the participants used condom for contraception. Conclusion: Findings of the study show that a large proportion of men and women living in HIV sero discordance desire to have children. This calls for the need to have reproductive health counseling for this group for them to be able to make informed choices on having children at the right time a time when probability of HIV transmission is lowest.