Fertility Desire and Associated Factors among People Living with HIV/AIDs Attending Anti-Retroviral Therapy Clinic in Wachemo University Negist Eleni Mohammed Memorial Teaching Hospital, southern Ethiopia.

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Reproductive decisions of people living with HIV/AIDS and their partners have long-term implications for their families, culture, and the world. Understanding fertility desire is essential for prevention and control of HIV/AIDS. This study aimed to assess fertility desire and associated factors among HIV/AIDS patients attending an Anti-Retroviral Therapy Clinic at Wachemo University Negist Eleni Mohammed Memorial Hospital in southern Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the hospital's ART clinic from November 2021 to July 2022. A sample of 422 clinic patients was systematically selected. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed and odds ratios with 95% CIs were estimated. Results: The prevalence of fertility desire among PLWHA was 56%. Being aged 17-29 years (AOR=5.68, 95%CI: 1.64, 19.63) or 30-39 years (AOR=5.32, 95%CI: 1.96, 14.46), married (AOR=4.29, 95% CI: 1.32, 13.92), more educated (AOR=7.90; 95%CI: 3.47, 17.96), nulliparous (AOR=4.26, 95% CI: 1.48, 8.27), and experiencing parental pressure to have children (AOR=3.89, 95% CI: 2.07, 7.31) were predictors of fertility desire. Conclusion: PLWHAs have a high percentage of fertility desire. Fertility desire was predicted by age, marital status, educational status, previous childlessness, and paternal pressure. The government should strive to provide quality maternal therapy and prevent vertical transmission.