Factors Affecting Uptake and Use of Family Planning Services among HIV Positive Clients in Nyakitunda Sub-county, Isingiro district

Abstract

Access to family planning services provides reproductive resources such as birth control, contraceptives and prevention of STDS and HIV. It is a cost effective strategy for prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV and reduction of infant mortality. Despite availability, access and training on different family planning methods in Isingiro district, uptake and use of these methods among HIV positive patients of Nyakitunda Sub-county has remained low due to un-known factors.The study was conducted to assess the factors affecting uptake and use of family planning services among HIV positive clients and establish strategies for promoting contraceptives among HIV positive patients. The specific objectives were to; find out the various family planning methods used by HIV positive patients, determine the role of contraceptives in fighting the spread of HIV among both positive and non-positive people, establish the psycho social and economic factors leading to low uptake and use of contraceptives among HIV positive patients, and suggest the possible strategies for promoting the uptake and use of contraceptives among HIV positive patients. The study was cross-sectional in nature employing qualitative and quantitative techniques to capture data from 358 respondents using questionnaires and interview guide. The study indicate that condom, breastfeeding, withdraws and injectables/inject plan were the common FP methods used among HIV patients. Contraceptives most especially condoms were believed to reduce new HIV infections, help women to control unwanted pregnancies and properly space their children. The rate of contraceptive use among persons living with HIV was low due to factors like; age, level of education (secondary), religion, fear for discrimination, and HIV stigma. Promoting contraceptives use among HIV positive clients require strategies like; integrating contraceptive use as part of HIV control program, fighting patient stigma and discrimination, reaching vulnerable populations, making services more accessible to HIV patients, mass sensitization and awareness creation. The study concluded that there are significant factors affecting uptake and use of family planning services among HIV positive patients in Nyakitunda Sub-county and recommends the need to strengthen and integrate FP services into HIV services and development of a strategic approach that conveys HIV prevention messages and ensure continuous education for patients living with HIV on the role of contraception in prevention of the epidemic.