Factors influencing pregnancy desires among HIV positive women in Gert Sibande district in Mpumalanga, South Africa

Fertility issues for HIV-positive women are becoming increasingly important. The study investigated the pregnancy desires of HIV positive women of Gert Sibande District in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The objective of the study is to present findings on factors influencing pregnancy desires amongst HIV positive women that have participated in Prevention of Mother to child Transmission of HIV programme. A cross sectional survey was conducted. 47 public health facilities in Gert Sibande District of Mpumalanga, South Africa were used to conduct interviews between September 2008 and March 2009. 815 HIV infected mothers at postnatal care, with babies aged 3-6 months. Women in the current study had poor knowledge about HIV transmission from mother to child. We found that only 16.6% had a desire to have children. In multivariable regression analysis the desire to have children was associated with having fewer children, had discussed family planning, current partner knew his HIV status and unknown HIV status of their infant. The main family methods currently used was injection (54.8%), followed by condom (33.9%), the pill (22%) and female condom (14.6%). Women with HIV who desire to have children face risks that need special consideration. Family planning for HIV infected women should be promoted and improved in postnatal care. Key words: Prevention of Mother to child Transmission of HIV programme (PMTCT), pregnancy desires, family planning, male involvement, HIV knowledge, HIV positive mothers.