Factors associated with childbearing intention of women on Antiretroviral Therapy in Northwest Ethiopia: A cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Though, childbearing intention is normal, it is imperative in Human Immune Virus positive women and identifying their intention has significant in reducing mother to child transmission. This study was intended to assess childbearing intention and associated factors among women on antiretroviral therapy in South Gondar Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia.Methods: Institution based cross sectional study was employed. The sample for each Hospitals was allocated proportionally. Systematic random sampling method was used to select the study participants. Data were coded and entered into epidata 4.2 software and exported to statistical package for social sciences version 25 for analysis. Binary logistic regression was used to saw the association between each independent variable and dependent variable. All variables with P-value < 0.25 during bi-variable analyses were considered for multivariable logistic regression analyses. Odds ratio along with 95%CI were estimated to measure the strength of the association. Level of statistical significance was declared at p value less or equal to 0.05.Results: - A total of 418 women on antiretroviral therapy participated in the study. Child bearing intention was 42.6%. History of pregnancy after HIV diagnosis [Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR) =5.19, 95% CI: (1.83, 14.7)], Partners fertility desire [AOR=10.99, 95% CI: (4.34, 27.86)], having alive children [AOR=0.23, 95% CI: 0.23(0.81, 0.63)] were significantly associated with childbearing intention.Conclusion. Childbearing intention of women on antiretroviral treatment was low. Having partner’s fertility desire, had pregnancy after HIV diagnosis and have alive child were significantly associated with childbearing intention. Information needs to be shared for the clients by using counseling protocols developed to achieve their desired reproductive goals.