IS IT A CASE OF CONTRACEPTIVE FAILURES? THE MENACE OF UNINTENDED PREGNANCIES AMONG HIV-POSITIVE WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE

Abstract

This study provides thebaseline information on how contraceptive failures impact unintended pregnancies among Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-positive women in South Africa and identify possible risk factors associated with contraceptive failures. It is a retrospective analysis of the South African National HIV Prevalence, Incidence, Behavior and Communication Survey (SABSSM) dataset. Data relating to HIV-positive women and contraceptive use were analysed using STATA version 1. The analysed data showed that contraceptive failure was common among HIV-positive women, and the highest prevalence was among women aged 30-34 years. The knowledge and use of contraceptives were generally high among the population, although the use was based on self-reporting. There was no association between contraceptive failures and age, educational status, employment status, geographical location, or antiretroviral therapy initiation. It was hence concluded that prospective and real-time studies are critical to further understand the menace of contraceptive failures among HIV-positive women. This will furnish policymakers and healthcare professionals with relevant information and counselling that HIV-positive women require to make informed choices regarding contraception.