Patient perspectives and needs regarding contraception in female patients with HIV: A qualitative study

Women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at risk of unintended pregnancy and may experience barriers to accessing contraception such as social stigma, concern for drug-drug interactions with HIV regimens, cost, and access to care. As pharmacist prescriptive authority for contraception becomes more prevalent, pharmacists may play a role in expanding access to contraception for women with HIV. Little is known about perspectives in this population regarding pharmacists prescribing contraception.

The objective of our study was to explore participants' experiences with contraception and childbearing, identify barriers to receiving contraception and unmet needs for contraceptive services, and explore perspectives on pharmacists prescribing contraception among women with HIV receiving care at a specialty HIV clinic.

This qualitative study used semistructured phone interviews with female patients receiving care at the University of New Mexico Truman Health Services in Albuquerque, New Mexico (NM). Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by 2 independent coders using Dedoose software.

Contraception use was high in our population, with 75% of participants reporting a current contraceptive method. Among our population, participants were supportive of pharmacists prescribing contraception. Participants appreciated that pharmacies were accessible and convenient and that pharmacists are well trained and able to manage drug-drug interactions. Participants expressed a preference for pharmacists to explain all available contraceptive options and to have a thorough understanding of their medical history and medications. Participants expressed concern about privacy and disclosure of their HIV status when receiving contraception from a pharmacist.

Among our population of women with HIV receiving care at a specialty clinic in NM, participants were supportive of pharmacists prescribing contraception. Pharmacists should consider the preferences of this population when prescribing contraception. Further research is warranted in additional populations of women with HIV to further explore unique perspectives among non-English speaking patients and those who do not receive care at specialty clinics.