Contraceptive use and method preference among HIV positive women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a cross sectional survey

BACKGROUND: Prevention of unplanned pregnancies among people living with HIV is essential component of “Global Plan” even in the context of expanded access to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The study aimed to assess whether contraceptive use and method preference varied by the use of HAART among HIV positive women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross sectional facility based survey was conducted from June to October, 2012 information was gathered using interviewer administered questionnaire and document review was conducted to confirm HIV status and clinical review. A sample of 1418 HIV positive women including 770 women receiving HAART and 648 HAART-naïve recruited randomly from different health institutions in Addis Ababa. Data were principally analyzed using logistic regression. RESULT: Overall, 71% women reported using contraception (75% among HAART users and 65% HAART naïve women). Male condom and injectables are the most preferred contraceptive methods among both groups. The odds of contraceptive use among HAART users was higher (AOR 1.60, 95% CI; 1.30-2.12) than HAART naïve women. In addition to this, presence of partner (AOR 2.32, 95% CI 1.60-3.40), disclosure of HIV status to husband (AOR 2.23; 95% CI 1.21-4.12), presence of living children: one (AOR 1.7; 95% CI 1.03-2.40), two (AOR 2.6; 95% CI 1.7-4.02) and three (AOR 3.3; 95% CI 1.90-5.60) respectively were found to be predictors of contraceptive use among HIV positive women. CONCLUSION: The contraceptive profile of women in the study area mainly dependent on male condom use, this indicates the need to better integrate tailored counseling and contraceptive options with care and support activities that targets HIV positive women. Moreover, emphasis should be given to dual contraceptive method use along with their regular follow up irrespective of their HAART use.