Perspectives of PLWHIV on the Need for the Integration of Reproductive Health Services with HIV Services

Introduction PLWHIV have unique sexual and reproductive health needs. As the primary focus of HIV programmes has shifted from information and education on the prevention of HIV infection to the provision of treatment for AIDS, there is increased need for a functioning health system that can deliver both HIV and sexual and reproductive health services. Methods Mixed methods of quantitative and qualitative data collection, using a pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire as well as focus group discussions were carried out in 2 hospitals. Data was processed using SPSSsoftwarepackages version 18, testsofsignificanceweredone atp-valuesof0.05. For the qualitative data, informationfromFGDs was analysedusingtheN-Vivo8. Findings For the quantitative aspect, a total of 826 respondents were interviewed, mean age (standard deviation) 29.6 (8.0) years. . All the respondents 826 (100.0 %) had done Voluntary Counselling and Testing. Only 265 (32.1 %) respondents had received PMTCT service during a current pregnancy 119 (44.9 %). For those that did not receive it 437 (77.9 %) would have preferred to receive it while the issue of combining (integrating) VCT, PMTCT and FP services were strongly agreed to by 446 (54.0 %). For the qualitative data two FGDs were conducted. The FGD participants were aware of the available HIV prevention services and expressed their preference for the integration of HIV services and reproductive health services. Conclusion PLWHIV have expressed preference for integration of HIV and reproductive health services, therefore this should guide design of services to adequately meet their reproductive health needs.