Application of an ecological framework to examine barriers to the adoption of safer conception strategies by HIV-affected couples

Bibliographic Data

ID19441270
AuthorsHaneefa T Saleem (0000-0002-6085-0635, Johns Hopkins University, corresponding author), Pamela J Surkan (0000-0002-0334-5931, Johns Hopkins University), Deanna Kerrigan (0000-0001-7401-9159, Johns Hopkins University), Caitlin E Kennedy (0000-0001-6820-063X, Johns Hopkins University)
Year2016
Volume28
Issue2
Pages197-204
Publication date2016-02-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueAIDS Care (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0954-0121 • E-ISSN: 1360-0451
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/09540121.2015.1074652
PMID26288153
OpenAlexW1629391494
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited35

Safer conception interventions can significantly reduce the risk of horizontal HIV transmission between HIV-serodiscordant partners. However, prior to implementing safer conception interventions, it is essential to understand potential barriers to their adoption so that strategies can be developed to overcome these barriers. This paper examines potential barriers to the adoption of safer conception strategies by HIV-affected couples in Iringa, Tanzania using an ecological framework. We interviewed 30 HIV-positive women, 30 HIV-positive men and 30 health providers engaged in delivering HIV-related services. We also conducted direct observations at five health facilities. Findings suggest that there are multiple barriers to safer conception that operate at the individual, relational, environmental, structural, and super-structural levels. The barriers to safer conception identified are complex and interact across these levels. Barriers at the individual level included antiretroviral adherence, knowledge of HIV status, knowledge and acceptability of safer conception strategies, and poor nutrition. At the relational level, unplanned pregnancies, non-disclosure of status, gendered power dynamics within relationships, and patient-provider interactions posed a threat to safer conception. HIV stigma and distance to health facilities were environmental barriers to safer conception. At the structural level there were multiple barriers to safer conception, including limited safer conception policy guidelines for people living with HIV (PLHIV), lack of health provider training in safer conception strategies and preconception counseling for PLHIV, limited resources, and lack of integration of HIV and sexual and reproductive health services. Poverty and gender norms were super-structural factors that influenced and reinforced barriers to safer conception, which influenced and operated across different levels of the framework. Multi-level interventions are needed to ensure adoption of safer conception strategies and reduce the risk of HIV transmission between partners within HIV-serodiscordant couples

Biology · Business · Computer security · Economics · Environmental resource management · SAFER · Sociology · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Computer Science · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Medicine · Psychology · Sex work and related issues · Ecology · Virology

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