Uptake of Family Planning and Unplanned Pregnancies among HIV Infected Individuals in Uganda

Rhoda K. Wanyenze, Makerere University
Nazarius Mbona, Makerere University
Rosemary Kindyomunda, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Uganda
Jolly Beyeza-Kashesya, Makerere University
Lynn Atuyambe, Makerere University
Apolo Kansiime, Ministry of Health, Uganda
Stella Neema, Makerere Institute of Social Research
Francis Ssali, Joint Clinical Research Center
Zainab Akol, Ministry of Health, Uganda
Florence Mirembe, Makerere University

Prevention of unplanned pregnancies among HIV infected individuals (PHAs) is critical to Prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) but has not been a major focus of PMTCT interventions in Uganda. We interviewed 1,100 PHAs (441 men and 659 women) at 12 HIV clinics in Uganda and assessed the uptake of family planning (FP) and unplanned pregnancies. Overall, 10% were pregnant or their partner was pregnant, and 33% of the women had been pregnant since their HIV diagnosis - 55% of women and 29% of men did not desire their current or last pregnancy. Overall, 61% were currently using contraceptives. Women who did not discuss the number of children they wanted with their partners were less likely to use FP, Adj. OR0.40 (0.20-0.81). Although current use of FP was fairly high, the large number of unplanned pregnancies highlights the need for strengthening of FP services for PHAs in Uganda.