A qualitative study of HIV serodiscordant patients accessing assisted reproductive treatment

Abstract

Objective: To explore the medical and psychosocial experiences of HIV serodiscordant patients attending an Assisted Reproductive Treatment (ART) programme. Design: Twenty couples in treatment from June 2008 to June 2009 were sent written invitations to participate in the study. Method: A semi-structured interview investigating the client's HIV history, family decision-making, engagement with and experiences of the programme was conducted. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic content analysis was used. Results: Six couples expressed an interest to participate in the study, with a final sample of 10 participants comprising of 4 couples and 2 individuals. Participants demonstrated varying levels of understanding in relation to the medical implications of treatment including vertical and horizontal transmission risks and ART procedures. Infertility-related stresses were highlighted including the quality of the couple's interpersonal relationships, the emotional, physical and financial burden of treatment and the impact of fertility treatment on their work/life balance. Disclosure of HIV status and managing confidentiality were also significant challenges for participants of this programme. Conclusion: Participants' experiences of the programme have been positive, though varied. They expressed high expectations of the programme, particularly regarding the likelihood of a pregnancy. HIV was not seen by the clients to be a clinical indicator for infertility.

Pursuing the adoption pathway: the lived experiences of people living with HIV

“…Congruent with other studies, stigma and discrimination persist within interventions available for PLWHIV to achieve parenthood (Peak et al , 2012). Unique to this study are findings whereby the disclosure of HIV status during various stages of adoption assessments could result in PLWHIV feeling that they are being denied adoption services, assessments and that they are receiving little support.…”