Provider Perspectives on Navigating Relationship Challenges in Assisting HIV-Affected Couples to Meet Their...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Reproductive Health
• HIV/AIDS Research

Background:

• Uganda has a high prevalence of HIV-serodiscordant couples (60%) who desire children.
• Existing services often do not adequately address reproductive intentions while minimizing HIV transmission risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore provider experiences and recommendations for engaging couples in safer conception counseling (SCC).
• To assess the effectiveness of the Our Choice intervention in supporting reproductive goals for HIV-affected couples.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative interviews with healthcare providers at 12 and 24 months post-intervention initiation.
• Intervention implemented in four clinics with two arms: SCC1 (intensive training) and SCC2 (standard approach).

Main Results:

• Partner involvement in SCC sessions enhanced understanding and facilitated safer conception management (SCM).
• Client-only participation led to confusion and implementation challenges.
• Engaging male partners presented challenges, but providers developed successful strategies.

Conclusions:

• Provider engagement and successful male partner involvement are crucial for effective safer conception counseling.
• Tailored strategies are needed to support HIV-affected couples in achieving reproductive goals while preventing HIV transmission.