Contraceptive Practices of HIV-Positive Women Who Used Prevention of Vertical Transmission of HIV Services in South Africa

Background: South Africa’s reported prevalence of HIV among women using prenatal services ranged from 17% to 37.4 in various provinces during 2011, emphasizing the importance of these women’s contraceptive practices. This study attempted to identify these practices so that future health education could address identified challenges. Methods:Trained research assistants administered self-designed questionnaires to a conveniently selected sample of women who had used prevention of vertical transmission of HIV services, and attended well-baby clinics in the study area during the data collection phase. Results:A minority of women used condoms consistently at every sexual encounter, exposing themselves to risks of HIV re-infections and to other infections, and increasing the risk of vertical transmission of HIV for their babies. Conclusion: As more than 50% of the respondents did not desire to have more children, their contraceptive practices should be adjusted (by using dual contraception) to enable them to achieve this goal. Misconceptions about HIV and condoms, such as ‘giving back HIV’ to a sex partner by not using condoms, should also be addressed as a matter of urgency. Effective contraceptive practices could enhance the wellbeing of the HIV-positive women as well as their current and future babies. The outcomes of services striving to prevent vertical transmission of HIV, might be jeopardised by HIV-positive women’s ineffective contraceptive practices.