Genderized Perspectives on Contraceptive Use: An Exploratory Study of Persons Living with HIV in Rural Kenya
- February 12, 2021
- Posted by: RSIS Team
- Categories: Health Sciences, IJRISS
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue I, January 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186
Chrisphine O. Omollo1*; Paul Obino Ong’anyi 2; Alfred Otieno Agwanda 3; and Taji Isindu Shivachi4
1,4 Rongo University, Kenya
2 Kibabii University, Kenya
3University of Nairobi, Kenya
Corresponding author*
ABSTRACT
This study set out to investigate gender differences in contraceptive use and preference among persons living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHAs). The study was conducted in a rural setting in the South-western part of Kenya. The study revealed that women have a higher rate of attendance of ART and reproductive health clinic than their male counterparts. This study also found that women demonstrated a higher level of knowledge regarding contraceptive methods, compared to men. Finally, the study reveals that while more women in the study area preferred implants over any other contraceptive method, most of them nonetheless utilize injections more than implants. This could be as a result of the influence of their male sexual partners, most of whom prefer the injection. The study further reveals that men preferred condoms mainly because of the influence of the clinical officers’ advice and their ready availability.
Key Words: Genderized Perspectives, Contraceptive use, Persons Living with HIV; Contraceptive Preference
INTRODUCTION
Approximately 37.9 million people are living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) world over, with sub-Saharan Africa contributing approximately two-thirds of this population (UNICEF, 2018). Out of these, an estimated 1.6 million are in Kenya, 50% of whom are reported to be on ART (UNAIDS, 2018). There is general consensus that the ART suppresses the progression of HIV, and generally improves health and wellbeing, including sexual and reproductive wellbeing and health (Hancock 2016 and Magala et al., 2017). Studies also reveal that a large proportion of PLWHAs in Africa are of reproductive age (WHO, 2019). The implication of the aforementioned is that a majority of PLWHAs are likely to be sexually active and hence, the matter of their reproductive health and rights arises.
