Predictors of HIV Positive Pregnant Women's Use of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in Taraba State: A Mixed Method Approach

Sexual and Reproductive Health Services (SRHS) are essential for the prevention of STIs superimposed on the already over burdened immune system of the HIV positive mother, prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, helping mothers to screen for other diseases that might impact on the mother and her family and also treating such infections early, prevention of unwanted pregnancies or child spacing or abortion and it’s attendant complication. It also helps mothers to encourage their spouses test for HIV. These services may be available but certain factors interfere with their access and utilization by HIV positive pregnant women. This study sought to determine factors that predict the utilization of reproductive health services among HIV positive pregnant women in Taraba State.  Methods: The study adopted mixed- method research design employing an institutional based cross sectional design. The population for the study consisted of 3,315 HIV positive pregnant women attending Antenatal Clinic. Cluster random sampling technique was used to select facilities for the study. Convenience random sampling technique was used to select 605 HIV positive pregnant women (HIV positive pregnant women who were present during antenatal clinic days, who give their consent will be included in the study). The focus group discussion participants for the study were selected using convenience sampling technique. A questionnaire and focus group discussion guide were used for data collection. Percentages, Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the quantitative data while the qualitative data were thematically analyzed using Nvivo software. Results: Demographic factors of age, education, marital status and occupation were associated with SRHS utilization, however, only age was a predictor of SRHS utilization (p= < 𝟎.05).  Conclusion: The study concluded that some demographic factors (age, occupation, educational level and marital status) are associated with SRHS utilization, while only age predicted HIV positive pregnant women’s utilization of SRHS. This predictor could be addressed through health education especially among the older women, text message reminders and some incentives.