%0 Journal Article
%T Factors Accounting for Differences of Fertility Desires and Intentions Among HIV-Infected and Uninfected Women of Reproductive Age at Six Hospitals in Two Regions of Kenya
%J -
%D 2018
%X Previous studies indicate that parenthood is a central life goal in most societies. Child bearing among HIV infected women poses danger of vertical HIV transmission. The study sought to investigate factors accounting for the differences in levels of fertility desires and intentions for HIV-infected and uninfected women of reproductive age from six hospitals in Nyanza and Central regions of Kenya. Intention connotes commitment to a course which usually leads to instrumental behaviors whereas desires are, however, wishes, which may be based more on emotions than on reality. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods was used. Both HIV-infected and uninfected women desired and intended to have a median of three children. Women from Nyanza were 10.1 times more likely to desire more children than those from Central region (p<0.001). There was significant greater intention to have children among women aged 40-44 years or older with lower levels of education and living in rural areas. Cultural factors were found to influence fertility desires and intentions among women. To eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, reproductive health interventions should take into consideration the special needs of HIV-infected women to avoid unintended pregnancies, and eliminate the risk of vertical transmission. Additional tailored sexual and reproductive care and counselling support should be provided to HIV- infected women; couples and men to assist them make decisions on issues such as number, spacing and timing of pregnancy and use of contraceptives. Fertility and family planning education should be part of each clinic visit for both female and male HIV- infected clients. More effort should be put on educating male HIV infected clients since male partners have greater influence on fertility intentions in the family in Kenyan society
%K HIV-Infected
%K HIV-Uninfected
%K Fertility Desires
%K Fertility Intentions
%K Factors Influencing Fertility
%U http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo?journalid=327&doi=10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20180401.13