Attitudes toward childbearing and changes in sexual and contraceptive practices among HIV-infected women

1994 
12% of all reported AIDS cases are among women 75% of whom are of childbearing age. The author reports findings from a study conducted to determine if women infected with HIV change their attitudes toward childbearing and their sexual and contraceptive practices. 46 women aged 18-44 years 33 white 12 Hispanic and one black were questioned or interviewed. IV drug use was reported by 65% of participants while 19% had symptomatic HIV disease or AIDS. Only 70% reported receiving counseling after being tested for antibody to HIV. Of this subgroup 59% said they were counseled on avoiding pregnancy and 81% said they were counseled on condom use. Comparing outlook and behavior before and after testing 59% and 17% wanted to bear a child respectively 4% and 54% always used a condom and 39% and 70% reported using some form of birth control. The author notes reported changes in sexual and contraceptive practices despite less than complete and optimum counseling. Follow-up study is however needed to monitor whether changes are sustained.
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