Health workers’ knowledge of safer conception and attitudes toward reproductive rights of HIV-infected couples in Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract Background The restriction of reproductive rights of HIV-positive couples in low-resource settings could be related to the attitudes and skills of health workers. We assessed health workers’ knowledge of safer conception and their attitudes toward the reproductive rights of HIV-positive couples in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Methods A cross-section of health workers (n=294) was interviewed using structured questionnaires. Knowledge and attitude scores were analyzed. Logistic regression was employed to generate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) for predictors of attitude. Results Safer conception methods mentioned by respondents included timed unprotected intercourse with (27.9%) and without antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (37.4%), in vitro fertilization plus intracytoplasmic sperm injection (26.5%), and sperm washing and intrauterine insemination (24.8%). The majority (94.2%) of health workers acknowledged the reproductive rights of HIV-infected persons, although (64.6%) strongly felt that HIV-infected couples should have fewer children. Health workers reported always/nearly always counseling their patients on HIV transmission risks (64.1%) and safer conception (59.2% and 48.3% for females and males, respectively) (p<0.05). Among health workers, being older (30–39 vs <30 y) (AOR=1.33, 95% CI=1.13–2.47), married (AOR=2.15, 95% CI=1.17–5.58) and having a larger HIV-positive daily caseload (20–49 vs <20) (AOR=1.98, 95% CI=1.07–3.64) predicted positive attitude towards reproductive rights of HIV-affected couples. Conclusions Health workers had limited knowledge of safer conception methods, but were supportive of the reproductive rights of HIV-positive couples. Health workers in Nigeria require training to effectively counsel couples on their reproductive rights, risks and options.