Analysis of the Determinants of Contraceptive Preference and Use among PLWAs in Nyamarambe Division in Kisii County, Kenya

Abstract

Available data indicates that a vast majority of Persons Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) are in the reproductive age and therefore presumably sexually active. Being sexually active, PLHWAs, like everyone else, have a right to their sexual and reproductive rights, as enshrined in various international and national legal instruments. One of the interventions designed to enhance enjoyment of sexual and reproductive rights is the use of contraceptives. The main objective of this research was to investigate determinants of contraceptive preference and use among people living with HIV and AIDS in Nyamarambe sub-County in Kisii County, Kenya. This study used a mixed method approach, in which both qualitative and quantitative data were gathered. The targeted population in this study were all individuals of reproductive age 15 - 49 years, who were PLWHAs and attending antiretroviral clinic in the three selected health facilities. A sample of 107 PLWHAs respondents was used, on who questionnaires were administered. In addition to PLHWAs, the study also interviewed nine (9) key informants who included two (2) counselors and one (1) the medical officer in each of the three study sites. The size of the sample for this study was 107 PLWHAs. Descriptive Statistics was used to analyse quantitative data while qualitative data was analysed thematically, and presented in narrative form. The study established that most of the respondents (93.0%) reported they know about family planning. The most preferred family planning method was Implants (29.5%) followed by IUCD (19.3%), then Condoms (18.2%) among others mainly due to ease of accessibility and use. While use of any contraceptive method was high at about 88.6%, contraceptive method use varied widely, the mismatch between preference and actual use points to an interesting gap that needs consideration. The study recommends that the ministry of health of the national and county governments should encourage usage and make accessible double-edged such as condoms as this would give double care in case of unwanted pregnancies and further spread of the virus and other STDIs.