Fertility Intentions among HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Mothers: Evidence from DHS 2013-14 Zambia

Million Phiri, University Of Zambia
David Mulemena, Student
Namuunda Mutombo, Lecturer

Study was done to examine fertility intentions among HIV positive and negative mothers in Zambia. HIV infection can be considered a strong predictor of fertility as it can influence one’s fertility desire and intention for fewer children. With advent treatment, HIV-infected mothers are now living longer and healthier just like the HIV-negative mothers. Zambia is among the developing countries in the region with high fertility intention for children despite government efforts trying to reduce fertility rate. Study findings reveal that a considerable proportion of HIV-infected mothers still have high fertility intentions for children in future when compared to their HIV-negative counterparts. This finding has implications for prevention of vertical and horizontal transmission of HIV. For Zambia to realize SDGs, there is need for comprehensive expansion of strategies that support family planning and elimination of mother-to-child transmission and integration of HIV treatment care to HIV-positive mothers to meet diverse reproductive intentions.