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Published on: January 12, 2018
Self-Reported Preconception Care of HIV-Positive Women of Reproductive Potential: A Retrospective Study
Mona R Loutfy1, Sandra Blitz2, Yimeng Zhang3
1Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada mona.loutfy@wchospital.ca.
Objectives:
We determined the proportion and correlates of self-reported pregnancy planning discussions (that is preconception counseling) that HIV-positive women reported to their family physicians (FPs), HIV specialists, and obstetrician/gynecologists (OB/Gyns).
Methods:
In a cross-sectional substudy, HIV-positive women of reproductive potential were asked whether their care providers discussed pregnancy planning. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios for the correlates of preconception counseling.
Results:
A total of 431 eligible participants (median age 38, interquartile range = 32-43) reported having discussion with a physician (92% FP, 96% HIV specialists, and 45% OB/Gyns). In all, 34%, 41%, and 38% had their pregnancy planning discussion with FP, HIV specialist, and Ob/Gyns, respectively; 51% overall. In the multivariable model, significant correlates of preconception counseling were age (P = .02), marital status (P < .01), number of years living in Canada (P < .001), and age of youngest child (P < .01).
Conclusions:
Preconception care in our cohort was suboptimal. We recommend that counseling on healthy preconception should be part of routine HIV care.
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