Mirror, mirror on the wall: the face of HIV + women in Europe today

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and rights are important components of quality of life. This cross-sectional study describes HIV-positive women's SRH aspirations and needs and the predictive value of selected SRH factors on condom use with steady sexual partners. Data were collected in a European multi-centre study in 17 HIV centres in 14 European countries by a standardised anonymous self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and hierarchical regression analysis were carried out and qualitative data from related formative research illustrated the findings. Among 387 HIV-positive women, 57% had children and 35% had become pregnant since their HIV-diagnosis. Contraceptive needs were largely unmet: 14% had undergone a pregnancy termination. About 83% changed their sexual behaviour after HIV-diagnosis in some ways. Sixty-two percent had at least one sexual encounter with a steady partner during the past six months and 51% used condoms consistently. Significant correlations with condom use were identified for childbearing since HIV-diagnosis (r=-0.21, p<0.01), miscarriage since HIV-diagnosis (r=-0.24, p<0.01), the use of contraception (r=0.47, p<0.001) and changes in sexual behaviour after HIV-diagnosis (r=0.20, p<0.01). Hierarchical regression analysis controlled for education, migration background, age, undetectable viral load and partners' serostatus. The following significant predictors for condom use were established: the use of contraceptives (beta=0.33, p<0.001); miscarriage since HIV-diagnosis (beta=-0.16, p<0.01); childbearing since HIV-diagnosis (beta=-0.12, p<0.05); and having an HIV-positive partner (beta=-0.13, p<0.05). For study population, consistent condom use performed a challenge. Selected SRH-issues predicted condom use. Sexual risk reduction and positive prevention should be discussed in the context of family planning and integrate SRH perspectives in routine HIV care.