Women living with HIV still lack highly effective contraception: results from the ANRS VESPA2 study, France, 2011

Contraception and Abortion Care for People Living With HIV: A Clinical Guide for Reproductive Health Practitioners

People capable of pregnancy are disproportionately affected by HIV. Family planning needs and services are often unmet in this population, and clinical care guidelines regarding contraceptive options and abortion care are not well elucidated. Individuals living with HIV often face unique barriers in accessing contraception and abortion services due to internalized stigma, medically complex care (eg, drug-drug interactions, adverse effects of antiretroviral therapy), and distrust of health care providers. There is also a lack of clarity among reproductive health, primary, and infectious disease care providers on best-practice contraceptive counseling and contraceptive care for individuals living with HIV, given limited opportunities to enhance expertise in reproductive infectious disease. In this review, we summarize existing and updated evidence and clinical considerations regarding contraceptive counseling and abortion care in this population.

Consistent Condom Utilization and its Associated Factors among Sexually Active Female Anti-Retro Viral Treatment Users in Finoteselam District Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2018

Consistent condom utilization is the key strategy to prevent new HIV strain transmissions among ART users. There are limited evidences on consistent condom utilization among women who are on ART in Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted among sexually active female ART users from June to August, 2018. Data were collected using a systematic random sampling data collection method. The multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify the predictors for the outcome Results: study indicated that 137(34.2%) women reported that they were using condom for the last three months, of whom 81 (59.1% (n = 137)) used condoms consistently. Respondents` age group from 21-30 (AOR = 4.381, 95%CI = 1.05, 18.331), Counseling about condom utilization (ARO = 9.442, 95% CI = 4.387, 20.32) and husbands` educational status "diploma and above" (AOR = 3.65, 95% CI = 1.007, 13.227) were significantly associated with condom utilization.

Évolution des usages contraceptifs

Il est difficile de dire avec précision depuis quand les êtres humains ont souhaité contrôler leur fécondité, tant cette pratique paraît ancienne. Toutefois, on observe au fil du temps deux évolutions majeures. Au cours des xviiie et xixe siècles en Europe, la « première révolution contraceptive » se caractérise par l’adoption du « retrait » au sein des couples mariés. Quant à la « seconde révolution contraceptive », elle n’intervient qu’à partir de la seconde moitié du xxe siècle, avec la diffusion progressive de la pilule et du dispositif intra-utérin (DIU) au sein des différents groupes sociaux. Depuis lors, les pratiques contraceptives sont largement médicalisées et le contrôle de la fécondité est devenue une responsabilité exclusivement féminine.

Complex decisions: correlates of injectable contraceptive discontinuation following HIV-1 seroconversion in an HIV prevention trial

Contraceptive adherence during acute and recent HIV-1 infection is important to maternal and child health given the elevated risk of vertical HIV-1 transmission and additional complications of pregnancy. Injectable contraception (IC) is the most common non-barrier modern contraception method used in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Adherence to IC after HIV-1 seroconversion is not well understood. We examined factors associated with IC discontinuation among women in SSA diagnosed with HIV-1 infection while participating in a clinical trial of biomedical HIV-1 prevention. After diagnosis with HIV-1 infection in the VOICE trial, 255 women from South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe enrolled in a longitudinal observational study (MTN-015). Contraceptive method was assessed at MTN-015 baseline and at 3, 12, and 24 months post-seroconversion. Correlates of IC discontinuation were examined by Cox proportional hazard modeling. IC use was reported at baseline by 78% of women enrolled (198/255), of which 92% (182/198) completed at least one follow-up visit. Two-thirds of women (66%, 121/182) continued on IC during the follow-up period (median 24 months). Lower rates of IC discontinuation were observed in women who reported having had at least one child (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.20-0.82) or earning a personal income (HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.30-0.87) at baseline. These findings suggest that many women with HIV-1 infection face complex decision-making regarding family planning in the years that follow seroconversion and highlight that some women may discontinue IC use despite on-site provision of family planning services. Understanding the broader context of family planning choices in recently seroconverted women may be key to more effective linkages between family planning services and HIV-1 testing and care.

[Current knowledge on contraceptive knowledge in France: CNGOF Contraception Guidelines]

OBJECTIVE

To summarize current knowledge on contraceptive coverage in France and worldwide, describe the effectiveness of different types of contraceptives, describe the characteristics of women using contraception, contraceptive failure situations and describe the different medical risks associated with contraceptive methods.

METHODS

Consultation of the Medline database and of national or international reports on contraception.

RESULTS

Contraceptive coverage in France is high: 97% of women in 2013 use a contraceptive method (among fertile, sexually active women without a desire for pregnancy), with a majority using medical methods (72% using pills and other hormonal contraceptives, intrauterine devices and 25% using natural and traditional barrier methods). The 2013 pill scare called into question the use of estrogen-progestogenic contraception and the information provided by doctors, but the pill remains the first contraceptive method followed by the intrauterine device, condoms and the traditional and natural methods. Lifetime contraceptive coverage changes according to a defined standard in France: condoms for the teen-agers, pills before pregnancy and then intrauterine devices after childbirth. Sterilization is very rarely chosen and offered. Contraception in France remains a predominantly female domain. Women and couples should be informed about all contraceptive methods, allowing them to choose the method that best suits their health, living conditions and sexuality.

From Pill to Condom, or Nothing at all: HIV Diagnosis and Discontinuation of Highly Effective Contraceptives Among Women in Northeast Brazil

This is a cross-sectional study examining highly effective contraceptive (HEC) use among HIV-positive women in Salvador, Brazil. We used multivariate logistic regression to look for predictors of alternative contraceptive choices among women who discontinued HEC after HIV diagnosis. Of 914 participants surveyed, 38.5% of participants used HEC before but not after diagnosis. Of these, 65.9% used condoms alone; 19.3% used no protection; and 14.8% reported abstinence. Use of condoms alone was associated with a history of other sexually transmitted infections (AOR 2.18, 95% CI 1.09-4.66, p = 0.029). Abstinence was associated with recent diagnosis (AOR 8.48, 95% CI 2.20-32.64, p = 0.002). Using no method was associated with age below 25 (AOR 5.13, 95% CI 1.46-18.00, p = 0.011); income below minimum wage (AOR 2.54, 95% CI 1.31-4.92, p = 0.006); HIV-positive partner status (AOR 2.69, 95% CI 1.03-7.02, p = 0.043); and unknown partner status (AOR 2.90, 95% CI 1.04-8.05, p = 0.042). Improved contraceptive counseling is needed after HIV diagnosis. Continuation of HEC should be encouraged for women wishing to prevent pregnancy, and may increase contraceptive coverage among HIV-positive women.

Neglect of attention to reproductive health in women with HIV infection: contraceptive use and unintended pregnancies in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

Women with HIV infection are mainly of reproductive age and need safe, effective and affordable contraception to avoid unintended pregnancies. The aim of this study was to evaluate contraceptive use and unintended pregnancies in this population in Switzerland.

METHODS

A self-report anonymous questionnaire on contraceptive methods, adherence to them, and unintended pregnancies was completed by women included in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS) between November 2013 and June 2014. Sociodemographic characteristics and information related to combined antiretroviral therapy and HIV disease status were obtained from the SHCS database.

RESULTS

Of 462 women included, 164 (35.5%) reported not using any contraception. Among these, 65 (39.6%) reported being sexually active, although 29 (44.6%) were not planning a pregnancy. Of 298 women using contraception, the following methods were reported: condoms, 219 (73.5%); oral hormonal contraception, 32 (10.7%); and intrauterine devices, 28 (9.4%). Among all women on contraception, 32 (10.7%) reported using more than one contraceptive method and 48 (16%) had an unintended pregnancy while on contraception (18, condoms; 16, oral contraception; four, other methods). Of these, 68.1% terminated the pregnancy and almost half (43.7%) continued using the same contraceptive method after the event.

CONCLUSIONS

Family planning needs in HIV-positive women are not fully addressed because male condoms remained the predominant reported contraceptive method, with a high rate of unintended pregnancies. It is of utmost importance to provide effective contraception such as long-acting reversible contraceptives for women living with HIV.

Contraceptive Choice and Use of Dual Protection Among Women Living with HIV in Canada: Priorities for Integrated Care

CONTEXT

Preventing unintended pregnancy and HIV transmission is important for women with HIV, but little is known about their contraceptive use, particularly under current antiretroviral therapy (ART) recommendations for treatment and prevention.

METHODS

The prevalence of contraceptive use and of dual protection was examined among 453 sexually active women with HIV aged 16-49 and enrolled in the Canadian HIV Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Cohort Study in 2013-2015; multivariable logistic regression was used to identify correlates of use. Two definitions of dual protection were assessed: the World Health Organization (WHO) definition (consistent condom use alongside another effective method) and an expanded definition (consistent condom use or a suppressed HIV viral load alongside an effective method).

RESULTS

Overall, 73% of women used effective contraceptives, primarily male condoms (45%) or tubal ligation (19%). Eighteen percent practiced WHO-defined dual protection, and 40% practiced dual protection according to the expanded definition. Characteristics positively associated with contraceptive use were younger age, having been pregnant, being heterosexual, being unaware of ART's HIV prevention benefits and having had partners of unknown HIV status (odds ratios, 1.1-6.7). Younger age and perceived inability to become pregnant were positively associated with both definitions of dual protection (1.04-3.3); additionally, WHO-defined dual protection was associated with perceiving HIV care to be women-centered and having had partners of unknown HIV status (2.0-4.1), and dual protection under the expanded definition was related to having been pregnant (2.7).

CONCLUSIONS

Future research should explore how sustained ART and broader contraceptive options can support women's sexual and reproductive health care needs.

Utilization of dual contraception method among reproductive age women on antiretroviral therapy in selected public hospitals of Northern Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Sexually transmitted infections are highly prevalent among pregnant women in Africa. Among the incidence of HIV infection in children, 90% of the infection is attributable to their mothers. Ethiopia is one of the countries with an increasing risky sexual behavior and the most affected by the HIV epidemic. If prevention of mother to child transmission focuses on increasing contraception, it will prevent more than 29% of HIV infection at birth. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess utilization of dual contraceptive  method and associated factors among reproductive age women on antiretroviral therapy in selected public hospitals of Mekelle town, Northern Ethiopia.

METHODS

Institution based cross-sectional survey was conducted in selected public hospitals of Mekelle among women under antiretroviral therapy from March 1-April 31, 2016. We used a systematic sampling technique to select 331 women. A pretested interviewer administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The data were entered in to Epi data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was computed. Odds ratio along with 95% CI was computed to ascertain the association. Statistical tests at p-value of < 0.05 were considered as cut off point to determine statistical significance.

RESULTS

Only 51(15.7%) of participants have utilized dual contraception method. Being single[AOR 5.43, 95% CI (1.61, 18.32)] and cohabitated [AOR 6.06; 95% CI: (2.16, 16.95)] in marital status, having HIV negative partner [AOR 4.44; 95% CI: (1.23, 16.04)], exposure to post diagnosis counseling [AOR 3.03; 95% CI: 1.34, 6.80], disclosed HIV status [AOR 6.06; 95% CI: (1.78, 20.87)] and discussing safer sex with partner [AOR 6.96; 95% CI: (2.75, 16.62)] were positively associated with utilization of dual contraceptive method.

CONCLUSION

The overall magnitude of dual contraceptive use is still low in this study. This will be a great concern on the transmission of the virus from mother to babies and partners and risk of complications following unintended pregnancy. This will continue to present as major public health problems in the region unless future interventions focuses on the barriers through tailored counseling and husband involvement in all aspects of the HIV/AIDS care.

Differences in the Access to Sterilization between Women Living and Not Living with HIV: Results from the GENIH Study, Brazil

BACKGROUND

In many countries, young women of reproductive age have been especially affected by the HIV epidemic, which have fostered research to better understand how HIV infection influences and shapes women´s fertility and reproductive and sexual decisions. In Brazil, few studies have focused on the impact of the HIV epidemic on contraceptive choices among women living with HIV (WLHIV).

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the impact HIV infection may have in the access to female sterilization in Brazil, using a time-to-event analysis.

METHODS

A cross-sectional quantitative study (GENIH study) was conducted between February 2013 and April 2014 in the city of São Paulo, comparing two probabilistic samples of 975 WLHIV and 1,003 women not living with HIV (WNLHIV) aged 18 to 49. Sexual and reproductive data was collected retrospectively in order to reconstruct women's reproductive trajectories. Given the objectives of this study, the analysis was restricted to women with parity one or more and, in case of WLHIV, to those sterilized after HIV diagnosis and not infected through vertical transmission. The final sample analysis included 683 WNLHIV and 690 WLHIV. A series of multivariable-adjusted Cox models estimated the probability of being sterilized after HIV diagnosis, compared with WNLHIV. Models were adjusted for schooling, race/color, and stratified by parity at last delivery (1-2, 3+). Hazard ratios were calculated for female sterilization, and separately for interval and postpartum procedures (performed in conjunction with caesarean section or immediately after vaginal delivery). Additionally, information regarding unmet demand for female sterilization was also explored.

FINDINGS

No statistical difference in the overall risk of sterilization between WLHIV and WNLHIV in the two parity-related groups is observed: HR = 0.88 (0.54-1.43) and 0.94 (0.69-1.29), respectively, among women with 1-2 children and those with three and more. However, significant differences regarding the impact of HIV infection at sterilization are observed depending on the timing and the type of sterilization procedure. The probability of obtaining an interval sterilization is significantly lower for WLHIV compared to those not living with HIV. The reverse occurs regarding postpartum sterilization. Although sterilization is mainly performed in conjunction with caesarean section in Brazil, it is evident that caesarean sections are not the sole factor increasing the risk of sterilization among WLHIV.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate barriers in the access to services offering interval sterilization for WLHIV and certain facilitation in obtaining the procedure in conjunction with caesarean section. Health policy makers at local and national levels should promote institutional changes in order to facilitate access to interval sterilization and to confront the sensitive discussion of WLHIV's eligibility for postpartum sterilization. It is also urgent to increase access to a wider range of contraceptive methods for WLHIV and promote dual method protection strategies. Moreover, since condom use may decrease in the future in the context of the preventive effect of antiretroviral therapy, promoting dual methods will expand the choices regarding the reproductive rights of women living with HIV.

Behavioral interventions for improving contraceptive use among women living with HIV

BACKGROUND

Contraception services can help meet the family planning goals of women living with HIV as well as prevent mother-to-child transmission. Due to antiretroviral therapy, survival has improved for people living with HIV, and more HIV-positive women may desire to have a child or another child. Behavioral interventions, involving counseling or education, can help women choose and use an appropriate contraceptive method.

OBJECTIVES

We systematically reviewed studies of behavioral interventions for HIV-positive women intended to inform contraceptive choice, encourage contraceptive use, or promote adherence to a contraceptive regimen.

SEARCH METHODS

Until 2 August 2016, we searched MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Web of Science, POPLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov and ICTRP. For the initial review, we examined reference lists and unpublished project reports, and we contacted investigators in the field.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Studies evaluated a behavioral intervention for improving contraceptive use for family planning (FP). The comparison could have been another behavioral intervention, usual care, or no intervention. We also considered studies that compared HIV-positive versus HIV-negative women. We included non-randomized studies as well as randomized controlled trials (RCTs).Primary outcomes were pregnancy and contraception use, e.g. uptake of a new method or improved use or continuation of current method. Secondary outcomes were knowledge of contraceptive effectiveness and attitude about contraception or a specific contraceptive method.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently extracted the data. One entered the data into RevMan and a second verified accuracy. We evaluated RCTs according to recommended principles. For non-randomized studies, we examined the quality of evidence using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Given the need to control for confounding factors in non-randomized studies, we used adjusted estimates from the models when available. Where we did not have adjusted analyses, we calculated the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Due to varied study designs and interventions, we did not conduct meta-analysis.

MAIN RESULTS

With three new reports, 10 studies from seven African countries met our eligibility criteria. Eight non-randomized studies included 8980 participants. Two cluster RCTs had 7136 participants across 36 sites. Three studies compared a special FP intervention versus usual care, three examined FP services integrated with HIV services, and four compared outcomes for HIV-positive and HIV-negative women.In four studies with high or moderate quality evidence, the special intervention was associated with contraceptive use or pregnancy. A study from Nigeria compared enhanced versus basic FP services. All sites had integrated FP and HIV services. Women with enhanced services were more likely to use a modern contraceptive method versus women with basic services (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.31 to 4.72). A cluster RCT conducted in Kenya compared integrated FP and HIV services versus standard referral to a separate FP clinic. Women with integrated services were more likely to use more effective contraception (adjusted OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.63). Another cluster RCT compared an HIV prevention and FP intervention versus usual care in Kenya, Namibia, and Tanzania. Women at the special intervention sites in Tanzania were more likely to use highly effective contraception (adjusted OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.24 to 4.10). They were less likely to report unprotected sex (no condom use) at last intercourse (adjusted OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.40). Across the three countries, women at the special intervention sites were less likely to report any unprotected sex in the past two weeks (adjusted OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.99). A study in Côte d'Ivoire integrated HIV and FP services. HIV-positive women had a lower incidence of undesired pregnancy, but not overall pregnancy, compared with HIV-negative women (1.07 versus 2.38; reported P = 0.023).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The studies since 2009 focused on using modern or more effective methods of contraception. In those later reports, training on FP methods and counseling was more common, which may strengthen the intervention and improve the ability to meet clients' needs. The quality of evidence was moderate from the more recent studies and low for those from the 1990s.Comparative research involving contraceptive counseling for HIV-positive women is limited. The FP field needs better ways to help women choose an appropriate contraceptive and continue using that method. Improved counseling methods are especially needed for limited resource settings, such as clinics focusing on people living with HIV.