Pregnancy decisions among HIV-positive pregnant women in Mulago Hospital, Uganda

Abstract

Pregnancy decisions in women infected by HIV pose important public health and social problems, as they increase risk of both heterosexual and vertical HIV transmission. We sought to explore and gain deeper understanding of reasons why women conceive when they are HIV-positive. Through 22 in-depth interviews and 6 focus-group discussions, motivations for conception among HIV-positive women who came for delivery in Mulago Hospital, Uganda were explored. Participants were selected by maximum variation sampling; and personal, biological, situational and environmental factors were explored. Data was analysed by content analysis. Awareness and belief in vertical transmission risk reduction strategies; disclosure of HIV status; awareness of spouse's HIV sero-status; availability of antiretroviral therapy; gender issues with desire for parenthood; stigma of HIV and childlessness; influence of partners and family members; and the impact of the health of self and family members were factors that motivate HIV-positive women to conceive or influence pregnancy decisions in spite of their sero-status.