# Contraceptive Use and Method Preferences among HIV Positive Women in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Authors: Getnet Gedefaw; Adam Wondmieneh; Asmamaw Demis
Journal: BioMed Research International
 (2020)

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## Abstract

Background. Preventing unintended pregnancies among HIV positive women has a vital role to prevent mother to child transmission. Besides, increasing access to contraceptives has a number of economical importance and reducing the costs for mitigating the unintended pregnancy consequences. Therefore, this study is aimed at assessing the contraceptive use and method of preference among HIV positive women in Ethiopia. Methods. A systematic review and meta-analysis reporting guideline was applied. Articles searched from the Scopus, Pubmed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, AJOL, Hinari, and Google scholar were included in this review. The Stata 11 software was used to compute the analysis. Heterogeneity of the studies was detected using the Cochran Q test and I2 test statistics. Egger’s test was used to check the evidence of publication bias within the studies. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis was computed with the evidence of heterogeneity. Results. Ten thousand one hundred twenty one (10121) women living with HIV/AIDS were recruited in this study. The national estimated prevalence of contraceptive use among HIV positive women in Ethiopia was 57.78% (95% CI: 48.53-67.03). Injectables and male condom were the most preferred contraceptives accounted for 36.00% (95% CI: 6.64-45.35) and 32.74% (95% CI: 21.08-44.40), respectively. Discussion with husband/partner (AOR: 4.70, 95% CI: 2.18-10.12), disclosure of HIV status to spouse/partner (AOR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.55-3.06), ever counseled for modern contraceptives (AOR: 2.79, 95% CI: 2.01-3.88), attending secondary and above education (AOR: 3.12, 95% CI: 2.15-4.51), and having more than one live child (AOR: 2.61, 95% CI: 1.86-3.66) were increasing the likelihood of contraceptive use whereas not currently married women (AOR: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.16-0.34) was decreases the odds of contraceptive use. Conclusion. In Ethiopia, more than half of the women living with HIV/AIDS were using contraceptives. Discussion with husband/partner, disclosure of HIV status to spouse/partner, ever counseled for modern contraceptives, attending secondary and above education, and having more than one live child were increasing the uptake of contraceptives among HIV positive women. Partner discussion, having adequate information towards contraceptive use, and having desired number of child could increase the utilization; as a result, obstetric complication with HIV positive women due to unintended pregnancy is significantly decreasing.


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## Body

## 1. Background

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the most common public health issue and destructive epidemics that the world has ever faced. According to UNAIDS 2019 report, globally 37.9 million people were living with HIV and 1.7 million people became newly infected with HIV as well as around 770000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses. Around 6000 young women among age group of 15-24 years become infected with HIV every week. However, in sub-Saharan Africa, four in five new infections among adolescents aged 15–19 years are in girls. Worldwide, the epidemiology of new HIV infections is 54% varied across the countries in the range of 25%-95% in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Middle East and North Africa, Western and Central Europe and North America, Asia and the Pacific, and Eastern and Southern Africa [1].Different literatures showed that unintended pregnancy has emergency obstetric complications for women living with HIV/AIDS; furthermore, the magnitude of unintended pregnancy is 96%, 71%, and 43% in Thailand, South Africa, and Uganda [2–4]. According to World Health Organization (WHO) comprehensive prong strategy, prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS is the first strategy to prevent the vertical transmission of HIV to her baby; moreover, this strategy could be achieved through increasing access to and use of effective contraception [5, 6].A study conducted in sub-Saharan African population showed that contraceptive strategy averts 28.6% more HIV positive births than Neverapine for PMTCT, furthermore increasing access to contraception and preventing unintended pregnancies, integration reduces new and opportunistic pediatric HIV infections, and the number of children needing HIV treatment, care, and support [7, 8].According to the 2016 Ethiopia demographic and health survey report, one in every three currently married women used modern contraceptive. Besides, injectable contraceptive method, long acting or permanent methods, and condom constituted 23%, 8%, and 4%, respectively [9].In Ethiopia, different studies have been showed variation in the magnitude of contraceptive use among women living with HIV accounted for 30.3% in Amhara region, 39% Addis Ababa, 46% Tigray region, 64.1% southern Ethiopia, and 50% in Gondar University specialized hospital [10–14], whereas injectable, male condom, implant, IUD, and oral contraceptives were the most commonly used and preferred methods of contraceptive [11–14].Uptake of contraception helps women avoid unplanned or unwanted pregnancies and prevent unsafe abortions. A systematic review and meta-analysis study showed that HIV positive women have eight times the risk of a pregnancy-related death compared to women without HIV infection. Besides, contraceptive use helps the women to space and limit the births, which benefit the health of the mother and her baby [15].Various factors such as sociocultural norms and traditions, lack of comprehensive knowledge on contraceptive methods, lack of advice from health professionals, not start ART, fear of side effects, illiteracy, and inaccessibility of preferred contraceptives limit women living with HIV to seek and use modern contraceptive service and information [16, 17].Even though there are different single studies reported the prevalence of contraceptive use among HIV positive women and its associated factors, there are no national studies which show the nationwide magnitude of contraceptive use among women living with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis is aimed at estimating the pooled prevalence of contraceptive use and method of preferences among women living with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia.


## 2. Method and Materials

### 2.1. Search Strategy

Articles accessed in the Scopus, Pubmed/MEDLINE, Hinari, EMBASE, Google scholar, African journals, and online university repositories were considered in this systematic review and meta-analysis (Table1). Different MeSH terms and search engines including “contraceptive use” OR “uptake of contraceptive” OR “utilization of family planning,” OR “modern contraceptive use” OR“ contraceptive preference,” OR “met need of family planning,” OR “uptake of family planning” AND “among women living with HIV/AIDS,” OR “among sexually active women living with HIV/AIDS” AND related in Ethiopia.Table 1
Search for MEDLINE/PubMed and Google Scholar databases to assess contraceptive use among HIV positive women in Ethiopia.
DatabasesSearching termsNumber of studiesMEDLINE/PubMed“Contraceptive use” OR “uptake of contraceptive” OR “utilization of family planning,” OR “modern contraceptive use” OR “contraceptive preference,” OR “met need of family planning,” OR “uptake of family planning” AND “among women living with HIV/AIDS,” OR “among sexually active women living with HIV/AIDS”356Google scholar“Contraceptive use” or “modern contraceptive use” and “determinants” or “associated factors” and “HIV positive women” and “Ethiopia”138From other databases83Total retrieved articles577Number of included studies19


### 2.2. Eligibility Criteria

#### 2.2.1. Inclusion Criteria

(1) Study Design. Cross-sectional studies reported the prevalence or widely used contraceptives and risk factors for contraceptive use among HIV positive women were included.(2) Language. Only English language literature and research articles were included.(3) Publication. Both published and unpublished research articles were used.(4) Searching Date. Articles searched from April 1-30, 2020 were included.(5) Study Population. Women living with HIV/AIDS were included in this study.


#### 2.2.2. Exclusion Criteria

Articles without full text and abstract, duplicated studies, anonymous reports, and editorial reports were excluded.


### 2.3. Data Extraction and Quality Assessment

The Standard Microsoft Excel spread sheet was used to export data from online databases. Two authors (GG and AD) were independently extracted and reviewed all the articles included in this study. Any disagreement was handled by the third reviewer (AW). After all, a consensus was reached through discussion between authors. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS) for cross-sectional studies was used to assess the methodological quality of each study (sampling strategy, sample size, and representativeness of the study), comparability, and measurement of outcomes [18]. Each study scored≥7 out of 10 of the NOS criteria was considered as having good quality (Table S1). This cutoff point was declared after reviewing relevant piece of literatures. All authors independently assessed the articles for the consideration and inclusion for the study.


#### 2.3.1. Measurement of Outcomes

This systematic review and meta-analysis had two main outcome measurements. Contraceptive use was the first outcome of the study whereas method of preference and predictors of contraceptive use among HIV positive women were the second outcome of this review. The pooled prevalence and adjusted odds ratio were calculated for risk factors reported in the study.(1) Contraceptive Use. Contraceptive use is the current use of any modern method by women to delay or avoid unintended pregnancy for the last one month.(2) Modern Methods. The modern methods are oral pills, intrauterine device, injectable, implants, male condom, female condom, and female and male sterilization.


#### 2.3.2. Data Processing and Analysis

The Microsoft Excel (2016) and STATA version 11 software were used for the data entry and analysis, respectively. The funnel plot and Egger’s regression test were conducted to check potential publication bias [19, 20]. The Cochrane Q test and I2 with its corresponding p value were used to assess the heterogeneity of the study [21, 22]. Hence, there was marked heterogeneity within studies; the random effect model was used to compute the pooled prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among HIV/AIDS patients. Furthermore, for the evidence of heterogeneity within studies subgroup and sensitivity analysis was computed. Moreover, the estimated pooled prevalence rate was reported with a 95% confidence interval (CI), and p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The odds ratio was calculated to measure the association between the outcome variable and the determinants.


## 2.1. Search Strategy

Articles accessed in the Scopus, Pubmed/MEDLINE, Hinari, EMBASE, Google scholar, African journals, and online university repositories were considered in this systematic review and meta-analysis (Table1). Different MeSH terms and search engines including “contraceptive use” OR “uptake of contraceptive” OR “utilization of family planning,” OR “modern contraceptive use” OR“ contraceptive preference,” OR “met need of family planning,” OR “uptake of family planning” AND “among women living with HIV/AIDS,” OR “among sexually active women living with HIV/AIDS” AND related in Ethiopia.Table 1
Search for MEDLINE/PubMed and Google Scholar databases to assess contraceptive use among HIV positive women in Ethiopia.
DatabasesSearching termsNumber of studiesMEDLINE/PubMed“Contraceptive use” OR “uptake of contraceptive” OR “utilization of family planning,” OR “modern contraceptive use” OR “contraceptive preference,” OR “met need of family planning,” OR “uptake of family planning” AND “among women living with HIV/AIDS,” OR “among sexually active women living with HIV/AIDS”356Google scholar“Contraceptive use” or “modern contraceptive use” and “determinants” or “associated factors” and “HIV positive women” and “Ethiopia”138From other databases83Total retrieved articles577Number of included studies19


## 2.2. Eligibility Criteria

### 2.2.1. Inclusion Criteria

(1) Study Design. Cross-sectional studies reported the prevalence or widely used contraceptives and risk factors for contraceptive use among HIV positive women were included.(2) Language. Only English language literature and research articles were included.(3) Publication. Both published and unpublished research articles were used.(4) Searching Date. Articles searched from April 1-30, 2020 were included.(5) Study Population. Women living with HIV/AIDS were included in this study.


### 2.2.2. Exclusion Criteria

Articles without full text and abstract, duplicated studies, anonymous reports, and editorial reports were excluded.


## 2.2.1. Inclusion Criteria

(1) Study Design. Cross-sectional studies reported the prevalence or widely used contraceptives and risk factors for contraceptive use among HIV positive women were included.(2) Language. Only English language literature and research articles were included.(3) Publication. Both published and unpublished research articles were used.(4) Searching Date. Articles searched from April 1-30, 2020 were included.(5) Study Population. Women living with HIV/AIDS were included in this study.


## 2.2.2. Exclusion Criteria

Articles without full text and abstract, duplicated studies, anonymous reports, and editorial reports were excluded.


## 2.3. Data Extraction and Quality Assessment

The Standard Microsoft Excel spread sheet was used to export data from online databases. Two authors (GG and AD) were independently extracted and reviewed all the articles included in this study. Any disagreement was handled by the third reviewer (AW). After all, a consensus was reached through discussion between authors. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS) for cross-sectional studies was used to assess the methodological quality of each study (sampling strategy, sample size, and representativeness of the study), comparability, and measurement of outcomes [18]. Each study scored≥7 out of 10 of the NOS criteria was considered as having good quality (Table S1). This cutoff point was declared after reviewing relevant piece of literatures. All authors independently assessed the articles for the consideration and inclusion for the study.


### 2.3.1. Measurement of Outcomes

This systematic review and meta-analysis had two main outcome measurements. Contraceptive use was the first outcome of the study whereas method of preference and predictors of contraceptive use among HIV positive women were the second outcome of this review. The pooled prevalence and adjusted odds ratio were calculated for risk factors reported in the study.(1) Contraceptive Use. Contraceptive use is the current use of any modern method by women to delay or avoid unintended pregnancy for the last one month.(2) Modern Methods. The modern methods are oral pills, intrauterine device, injectable, implants, male condom, female condom, and female and male sterilization.


### 2.3.2. Data Processing and Analysis

The Microsoft Excel (2016) and STATA version 11 software were used for the data entry and analysis, respectively. The funnel plot and Egger’s regression test were conducted to check potential publication bias [19, 20]. The Cochrane Q test and I2 with its corresponding p value were used to assess the heterogeneity of the study [21, 22]. Hence, there was marked heterogeneity within studies; the random effect model was used to compute the pooled prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among HIV/AIDS patients. Furthermore, for the evidence of heterogeneity within studies subgroup and sensitivity analysis was computed. Moreover, the estimated pooled prevalence rate was reported with a 95% confidence interval (CI), and p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The odds ratio was calculated to measure the association between the outcome variable and the determinants.


## 2.3.1. Measurement of Outcomes

This systematic review and meta-analysis had two main outcome measurements. Contraceptive use was the first outcome of the study whereas method of preference and predictors of contraceptive use among HIV positive women were the second outcome of this review. The pooled prevalence and adjusted odds ratio were calculated for risk factors reported in the study.(1) Contraceptive Use. Contraceptive use is the current use of any modern method by women to delay or avoid unintended pregnancy for the last one month.(2) Modern Methods. The modern methods are oral pills, intrauterine device, injectable, implants, male condom, female condom, and female and male sterilization.


## 2.3.2. Data Processing and Analysis

The Microsoft Excel (2016) and STATA version 11 software were used for the data entry and analysis, respectively. The funnel plot and Egger’s regression test were conducted to check potential publication bias [19, 20]. The Cochrane Q test and I2 with its corresponding p value were used to assess the heterogeneity of the study [21, 22]. Hence, there was marked heterogeneity within studies; the random effect model was used to compute the pooled prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among HIV/AIDS patients. Furthermore, for the evidence of heterogeneity within studies subgroup and sensitivity analysis was computed. Moreover, the estimated pooled prevalence rate was reported with a 95% confidence interval (CI), and p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The odds ratio was calculated to measure the association between the outcome variable and the determinants.


## 3. Results

### 3.1. Characteristics of the Included Studies

We retrieved 577 studies from the PubMed/MEDLINE, HINARI, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar and African Journals, and online university repository research articles. After duplicates were expunged, 234 studies remained.Out of the remaining 234 articles, 193 articles were excluded after review of their titles and abstracts. Therefore, 41 full-text articles were accessed and assessed for inclusion criteria, which resulted in the further exclusion of 22 articles. Out of these, 20 studies were excluded due to the outcome of interest is not reported, and 2 of them were excluded due to inaccessibility of the full text. As a result, 19 studies were met the inclusion criteria to undergo the final systematic review and meta-analysis (Figure1).Figure 1
Flow chart of selection for systematic review and meta-analysis of contraceptive use among HIV positive women in Ethiopia.Studies were conducted from different regions of Ethiopia (Amhara, Oromia, SNNPR (South Nation Nationalities people and representatives), Addis Ababa (AA), and Tigray). Totally, ten thousand one hundred twenty one (10,121) women living with HIV/AIDS were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. In this review, four studies were from Addis Ababa [14, 23–25], three studies from South Nation Nationalities and people representatives [16, 26, 27], two studies from Tigray region [15, 28], eight studies from Amhara region [13, 17, 29–34], and two were from Oromia region [35, 36]. Regarding the sample size, in range from 308-1418 HIV positive women were recruited for the study with a maximum and minimum contraceptive use report 30.14 percent to 93.63 percent, respectively (Table 2).Table 2
Study characteristics included in the systematic review and meta-analysis.
AuthorsPublication yearRegionStudy designSample size%Contraceptive preference (%)PillInjectableImplantIUDCondomQualityDerek et al. [12]2019AAC-S54839.058.1017.20—18.0042.60Low riskKebede et al. [29]2019AmharaC-S63261.399.3051.5029.402.807.00Low riskKebede et al. [30]2015AmharaC-S41680.056.7054.7017.701.8052.00Low riskAlene and Atalell [10]2018AmharaC-S80330.144.9042.8011.106.2032.90Low riskMersha et al. [31]2019AmharaC-S31493.637.0025.805.1028.4026.70Low riskMelaku YA and Zeleke EG [28]2014TigrayC-S84744.272.7070.708.60—47.60Low riskBerhane et al. [11]2013TigrayC-S36446.154.2022.702.4019.00—Low riskLemeneh T. [23]2016AAC-S68288.279.4032.0024.709.8021.30Low riskMitiku K. [13]2017SNNPRC-S38264.1410.2064.909.802.4031.40Low riskDemissie and Tolossa [26]2014SNNPRC-S38062.115.5026.303.80—90.70Low riskAyalew et al. [32]2019AmharaC-S30838.31—————Low riskZewdie et al. [33]2020AmharaC-S51868.158.0032.6035.9014.208.20Low riskAbeje and Motbaynor [34]2016AmharaC-S53045.667.4074.403.704.5010.30Low riskAsfaw and Gashe [24]2014AAC-S141871.02—30.50——45.70Low riskPolisi et al. [35]2014OromiaC-S39556.718.9011.209.402.7034.40Low riskAbubeker et al. [25]2019AAC-S33433.5313.4022.3033.006.3020.50Low riskLemma and Mekonnen [27]2014SNNPRC-S39757.681.808.803.500.8035.80Low riskWorke et al. [14]2016AmharaC-S39750.3812.4048.5016.501.508.20Low riskSufa A. [36]2013OromiaC-S45666.454.3011.701.7018.0041.60Low riskC-S: cross-sectional; SNNPR: Southern nation nationalities and peoples representatives; AA: Addis Ababa.


### 3.2. Contraceptive Use among HIV Positive Women in Ethiopia

In this study, the national estimated prevalence of contraceptive use in Ethiopia was 57.78% (95% CI 48.53-67.03) (Figure2).Figure 2
Forest plot of the pooled prevalence of contraceptive use among HIV positive women in Ethiopia.


### 3.3. Preference of Current Contraceptive Use among HIV Positive Women

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the commonest preferred contraceptive use among women living with HIV/AIDS was injectable 36.00% (95% CI: 26.64-45.35), male condom 32.74% (95% CI: 21.08-44.40), and implants 13.10% (95% CI: 8.82-17.38) (Table3).Table 3
Contraceptive method preference of HIV positive women in Ethiopia.
Type of post abortion family planning methodsPooled prevalence 95%I-squaredOral contraceptive pills (OCP)6.91 (5.38-8.44)79.9,p<0.001Injectable36.00 (26.64-45.35)98.6,p<0.001Implants13.10 (8.82-17.38)97.0,p<0.001Intrauterine devices (IUD)7.76 (5.13-10.38)94.7,p<0.001Male condom32.74 (21.08-44.40)99.2,p<0.001


### 3.4. Heterogeneity and Publication Bias

In this meta-analysis, we execute heterogeneity within the included studies, indicating the presence of considerable heterogeneity (I2=99.1%, p<0.001). We also assessed the presence of publication bias by using Egger’s test, which suggests the presence of publication bias (p=0.012). As a result, trim and fill analysis was conducted to overcome the publication bias. After one study was filled, twenty studies were enrolled and computed through the trim and fill analysis with a pooled prevalence of 59.26% (95% CI: 58.44-60.08) using a random effect model (Figures 3(a) and 3(b)).Figure 3
(a) Funnel plot to test publication bias of 19 studies. (b) Result of trim and fill analysis for adjusting publication bias of the 20 studies.
(a)(b)


### 3.5. Sensitivity Analysis

In this meta-analysis, to investigate the potential source of heterogeneity observed in pooled prevalence of contraceptive use, a leave-one-out sensitivity analysis was executed and suggesting that our findings was not dependent on a single study. The pooled prevalence of contraceptive use among HIV positive women was varied between 55.78% (47.13-64.43%) and 59.33% (50.59-68.07%) after deletion of a single study (Table4).Table 4
Sensitivity analysis of the prevalence of contraceptive use among HIV positive women in Ethiopia.
Study omittedPrevalence95% CIDerek et al. (2019)58.8249.42-68.23Kebede et al. (2019)57.5747.79-67.36Kebede et al. (2015)56.5446.94-66.14Alene and Atalell (2018)59.3350.59-68.07Mersha et al. (2019)55.7847.13-64.43Melaku YA and Zeleke EG (2014)58.5348.99-68.07Berhane et al. (2013)58.4248.87-67.97Lemeneh T. (2016)56.0747.12-65.03Mitiku K. (2017)57.4347.74-67.11Demissie and Tolossa (2014)57.5447.86-67.21Ayalew et al. (2019)58.8549.41-68.29Zewdie et al. (2020)57.2047.46-66.94Abeje and Motbaynor (2016)58.4548.89-68.02Asfaw and Gashe (2014)57.0346.94-67.12Polisi et al. (2014)57.8448.18-67.49Abubeker et al. (2019)59.1249.78-68.45Lemma and Mekonnen (2014)57.7848.12-67.45Worke et al. (2016)58.1948.58-67.79Sufa A. (2013)57.2947.58-67.01


### 3.6. Subgroup Analysis

We conducted a subgroup analysis based on the region where the study was conducted and year and sample size. With regard to sample size, the highest prevalence was observed among those studies with sample size of less than 500, 59.07% (95% CI: 46.88-71.25). Regarding the region of study conducted, the highest prevalence was observed in studies done in Oromia region with 61.65% (95% CI: 52.10-71.19), and the lowest was in Tigray with 44.83% (95% CI: 42.03-47.63) (Table5).Table 5
Subgroup analysis of contraceptive use among HIV positive women in Ethiopia.
VariablesCharacteristicsIncluded studiesNumber of study participantsPrevalence with (95% CI)I2, p valueSample size>5008597856.02 (41.05-70.98)99.4, <0.001<50011414359.07 (46.88-71.25)98.8, <0.001RegionAA4298258.05 (34.99-81.11)99.5, <0.001Amhara8391858.49 (41.16-75.82)99.4, <0.001Oromia285161.65 (52.10-71.19)88.3, =0.003SNNPR3115961.32 (57.58-65.06)44.1, =0.167Tigray2121144.83 (42.03-47.63)—Overall1910,12157.78 (48.53-67.03)99.1, <0.001


### 3.7. Determinants of Contraceptive Use

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, a total of nineteen primary studies [19] with data that can be analyzed, we have examined the associations of determinants (discussion with husband/partner, HIV status disclosure, ever counseled on modern contraceptives, having more than one child and marital status) with contraceptive use among women living with HIV/AIDS.In this meta-analysis, mothers who have discussed with their husband/parent were 4.7 times more likely to use contraceptives as compared with mothers who have not discussed with their husband/parent with odds ratio (AOR: 4.70, 95% CI: 2.18-10.12) (Figure4(a)).Figure 4
Forest plot showing the pooled odds ratio of the associations between contraceptive use and its determinants: (a) discussion with partner, (b) disclosing HIV status, (c) counseling on contraceptive, (d) having more than one child, (e) secondary and above education, and (f) being widowed/separated.
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)HIV status disclosure was also another determinant factor associated with contraceptive use. Mothers who disclose their HIV status to their spouse/parent were 2.18 times more likely to utilize contraceptives as compared with mothers who did not disclose their HIV status to their spouse/parent (AOR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.55-3.06) (Figure4(b)).Those mothers who ever counseled about modern contraceptives were 2.79 times more likely to use contraceptives as compared with their counter parts (AOR: 2.79, 95% CI: 2.01-3.88) (Figure4(c)). Similarly, mothers who have more than one live child were 2.61 times more likely to utilize contraceptives as compared with mothers who have one child (AOR: 2.61, 95% CI: 1.86-3.66) (Figure 4(d)).Those women living with HIV/AIDS who completed secondary and above education were 3.12 times more likely to use contraceptives as compared with their counter parts (AOR: 3.12, 95% CI: 2.15-4.51) (Figure 4(e)). But in this meta-analysis, the odds of contraceptive use among currently unmarried women were 77% less likely as compared with currently married women (AOR: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.16-0.34) (Figure 4(f)).


## 3.1. Characteristics of the Included Studies

We retrieved 577 studies from the PubMed/MEDLINE, HINARI, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar and African Journals, and online university repository research articles. After duplicates were expunged, 234 studies remained.Out of the remaining 234 articles, 193 articles were excluded after review of their titles and abstracts. Therefore, 41 full-text articles were accessed and assessed for inclusion criteria, which resulted in the further exclusion of 22 articles. Out of these, 20 studies were excluded due to the outcome of interest is not reported, and 2 of them were excluded due to inaccessibility of the full text. As a result, 19 studies were met the inclusion criteria to undergo the final systematic review and meta-analysis (Figure1).Figure 1
Flow chart of selection for systematic review and meta-analysis of contraceptive use among HIV positive women in Ethiopia.Studies were conducted from different regions of Ethiopia (Amhara, Oromia, SNNPR (South Nation Nationalities people and representatives), Addis Ababa (AA), and Tigray). Totally, ten thousand one hundred twenty one (10,121) women living with HIV/AIDS were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. In this review, four studies were from Addis Ababa [14, 23–25], three studies from South Nation Nationalities and people representatives [16, 26, 27], two studies from Tigray region [15, 28], eight studies from Amhara region [13, 17, 29–34], and two were from Oromia region [35, 36]. Regarding the sample size, in range from 308-1418 HIV positive women were recruited for the study with a maximum and minimum contraceptive use report 30.14 percent to 93.63 percent, respectively (Table 2).Table 2
Study characteristics included in the systematic review and meta-analysis.
AuthorsPublication yearRegionStudy designSample size%Contraceptive preference (%)PillInjectableImplantIUDCondomQualityDerek et al. [12]2019AAC-S54839.058.1017.20—18.0042.60Low riskKebede et al. [29]2019AmharaC-S63261.399.3051.5029.402.807.00Low riskKebede et al. [30]2015AmharaC-S41680.056.7054.7017.701.8052.00Low riskAlene and Atalell [10]2018AmharaC-S80330.144.9042.8011.106.2032.90Low riskMersha et al. [31]2019AmharaC-S31493.637.0025.805.1028.4026.70Low riskMelaku YA and Zeleke EG [28]2014TigrayC-S84744.272.7070.708.60—47.60Low riskBerhane et al. [11]2013TigrayC-S36446.154.2022.702.4019.00—Low riskLemeneh T. [23]2016AAC-S68288.279.4032.0024.709.8021.30Low riskMitiku K. [13]2017SNNPRC-S38264.1410.2064.909.802.4031.40Low riskDemissie and Tolossa [26]2014SNNPRC-S38062.115.5026.303.80—90.70Low riskAyalew et al. [32]2019AmharaC-S30838.31—————Low riskZewdie et al. [33]2020AmharaC-S51868.158.0032.6035.9014.208.20Low riskAbeje and Motbaynor [34]2016AmharaC-S53045.667.4074.403.704.5010.30Low riskAsfaw and Gashe [24]2014AAC-S141871.02—30.50——45.70Low riskPolisi et al. [35]2014OromiaC-S39556.718.9011.209.402.7034.40Low riskAbubeker et al. [25]2019AAC-S33433.5313.4022.3033.006.3020.50Low riskLemma and Mekonnen [27]2014SNNPRC-S39757.681.808.803.500.8035.80Low riskWorke et al. [14]2016AmharaC-S39750.3812.4048.5016.501.508.20Low riskSufa A. [36]2013OromiaC-S45666.454.3011.701.7018.0041.60Low riskC-S: cross-sectional; SNNPR: Southern nation nationalities and peoples representatives; AA: Addis Ababa.


## 3.2. Contraceptive Use among HIV Positive Women in Ethiopia

In this study, the national estimated prevalence of contraceptive use in Ethiopia was 57.78% (95% CI 48.53-67.03) (Figure2).Figure 2
Forest plot of the pooled prevalence of contraceptive use among HIV positive women in Ethiopia.


## 3.3. Preference of Current Contraceptive Use among HIV Positive Women

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the commonest preferred contraceptive use among women living with HIV/AIDS was injectable 36.00% (95% CI: 26.64-45.35), male condom 32.74% (95% CI: 21.08-44.40), and implants 13.10% (95% CI: 8.82-17.38) (Table3).Table 3
Contraceptive method preference of HIV positive women in Ethiopia.
Type of post abortion family planning methodsPooled prevalence 95%I-squaredOral contraceptive pills (OCP)6.91 (5.38-8.44)79.9,p<0.001Injectable36.00 (26.64-45.35)98.6,p<0.001Implants13.10 (8.82-17.38)97.0,p<0.001Intrauterine devices (IUD)7.76 (5.13-10.38)94.7,p<0.001Male condom32.74 (21.08-44.40)99.2,p<0.001


## 3.4. Heterogeneity and Publication Bias

In this meta-analysis, we execute heterogeneity within the included studies, indicating the presence of considerable heterogeneity (I2=99.1%, p<0.001). We also assessed the presence of publication bias by using Egger’s test, which suggests the presence of publication bias (p=0.012). As a result, trim and fill analysis was conducted to overcome the publication bias. After one study was filled, twenty studies were enrolled and computed through the trim and fill analysis with a pooled prevalence of 59.26% (95% CI: 58.44-60.08) using a random effect model (Figures 3(a) and 3(b)).Figure 3
(a) Funnel plot to test publication bias of 19 studies. (b) Result of trim and fill analysis for adjusting publication bias of the 20 studies.
(a)(b)


## 3.5. Sensitivity Analysis

In this meta-analysis, to investigate the potential source of heterogeneity observed in pooled prevalence of contraceptive use, a leave-one-out sensitivity analysis was executed and suggesting that our findings was not dependent on a single study. The pooled prevalence of contraceptive use among HIV positive women was varied between 55.78% (47.13-64.43%) and 59.33% (50.59-68.07%) after deletion of a single study (Table4).Table 4
Sensitivity analysis of the prevalence of contraceptive use among HIV positive women in Ethiopia.
Study omittedPrevalence95% CIDerek et al. (2019)58.8249.42-68.23Kebede et al. (2019)57.5747.79-67.36Kebede et al. (2015)56.5446.94-66.14Alene and Atalell (2018)59.3350.59-68.07Mersha et al. (2019)55.7847.13-64.43Melaku YA and Zeleke EG (2014)58.5348.99-68.07Berhane et al. (2013)58.4248.87-67.97Lemeneh T. (2016)56.0747.12-65.03Mitiku K. (2017)57.4347.74-67.11Demissie and Tolossa (2014)57.5447.86-67.21Ayalew et al. (2019)58.8549.41-68.29Zewdie et al. (2020)57.2047.46-66.94Abeje and Motbaynor (2016)58.4548.89-68.02Asfaw and Gashe (2014)57.0346.94-67.12Polisi et al. (2014)57.8448.18-67.49Abubeker et al. (2019)59.1249.78-68.45Lemma and Mekonnen (2014)57.7848.12-67.45Worke et al. (2016)58.1948.58-67.79Sufa A. (2013)57.2947.58-67.01


## 3.6. Subgroup Analysis

We conducted a subgroup analysis based on the region where the study was conducted and year and sample size. With regard to sample size, the highest prevalence was observed among those studies with sample size of less than 500, 59.07% (95% CI: 46.88-71.25). Regarding the region of study conducted, the highest prevalence was observed in studies done in Oromia region with 61.65% (95% CI: 52.10-71.19), and the lowest was in Tigray with 44.83% (95% CI: 42.03-47.63) (Table5).Table 5
Subgroup analysis of contraceptive use among HIV positive women in Ethiopia.
VariablesCharacteristicsIncluded studiesNumber of study participantsPrevalence with (95% CI)I2, p valueSample size>5008597856.02 (41.05-70.98)99.4, <0.001<50011414359.07 (46.88-71.25)98.8, <0.001RegionAA4298258.05 (34.99-81.11)99.5, <0.001Amhara8391858.49 (41.16-75.82)99.4, <0.001Oromia285161.65 (52.10-71.19)88.3, =0.003SNNPR3115961.32 (57.58-65.06)44.1, =0.167Tigray2121144.83 (42.03-47.63)—Overall1910,12157.78 (48.53-67.03)99.1, <0.001


## 3.7. Determinants of Contraceptive Use

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, a total of nineteen primary studies [19] with data that can be analyzed, we have examined the associations of determinants (discussion with husband/partner, HIV status disclosure, ever counseled on modern contraceptives, having more than one child and marital status) with contraceptive use among women living with HIV/AIDS.In this meta-analysis, mothers who have discussed with their husband/parent were 4.7 times more likely to use contraceptives as compared with mothers who have not discussed with their husband/parent with odds ratio (AOR: 4.70, 95% CI: 2.18-10.12) (Figure4(a)).Figure 4
Forest plot showing the pooled odds ratio of the associations between contraceptive use and its determinants: (a) discussion with partner, (b) disclosing HIV status, (c) counseling on contraceptive, (d) having more than one child, (e) secondary and above education, and (f) being widowed/separated.
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)HIV status disclosure was also another determinant factor associated with contraceptive use. Mothers who disclose their HIV status to their spouse/parent were 2.18 times more likely to utilize contraceptives as compared with mothers who did not disclose their HIV status to their spouse/parent (AOR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.55-3.06) (Figure4(b)).Those mothers who ever counseled about modern contraceptives were 2.79 times more likely to use contraceptives as compared with their counter parts (AOR: 2.79, 95% CI: 2.01-3.88) (Figure4(c)). Similarly, mothers who have more than one live child were 2.61 times more likely to utilize contraceptives as compared with mothers who have one child (AOR: 2.61, 95% CI: 1.86-3.66) (Figure 4(d)).Those women living with HIV/AIDS who completed secondary and above education were 3.12 times more likely to use contraceptives as compared with their counter parts (AOR: 3.12, 95% CI: 2.15-4.51) (Figure 4(e)). But in this meta-analysis, the odds of contraceptive use among currently unmarried women were 77% less likely as compared with currently married women (AOR: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.16-0.34) (Figure 4(f)).


## 4. Discussion

Modern contraceptive utilization among HIV positive mothers added the benefit of preventing unintended pregnancies, reducing the need for unsafe abortions, and HIV positive births and can have a major impact on improving the overall maternal and infant health. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis is aimed at estimating the pooled prevalence of contraceptive use among HIV positive mothers and its associated factors in Ethiopia. In this meta-analysis, the pooled prevalence of contraceptive use among HIV positive mothers in Ethiopia was 57.78% (95% CI: 48.53-67.03). Even though there was no analogous meta-analysis study conducted on this specific research question within the area, the pooled prevalence of contraceptive use among HIV positive mothers is comparable with a survey done in Nairobi, Kenya (55.5%) [37], Northern Tanzania (54%) [38], Uganda (58%) [5], and Swaziland (62.5%) [39] (Warren et al. 2013). This is higher than a survey conducted in Kenya (32.3%) [40] and Northern Uganda (25%) [41]. But, it is lower than a study conducted in South Africa (78%) [42], Togo (73.1%) [43], Southeast Nigeria (73.1%) [44], and Zambia (69%) [45]. This difference might be due to regional variation and variation in guidelines of reproductive health and health policy of the country.In this meta-analysis concerning method of contraceptive preference, the most widely preferred contraceptive method was injectable for 36.00% (95% CI: 26.64-45.35) and male condom for 32.74% (95% CI: 21.08-44.40). This is supported with a study conducted in Northern Tanzania [38]. This might be due to the fact that most HIV positive women preferred short acting contraceptive methods to conceive within a short period of time due to high pregnancy desire.This meta-analysis showed that women who attended secondary and above education were more likely to utilize contraceptive as compared with their counter parts. This is supported with a study done in Northern Uganda [41] and Lusaka, Zambia [45]. This might be due to the fact that education improves HIV/AIDS knowledge and communication with partner as well as increasing female decision-making power on reproductive health particularly family planning, thus enabling them to easily change risky sexual behavior. Mothers who have discussed with their husband/parent were more likely to use contraceptives as compared with mothers who have not discussed with their husband/parent. This is consistent with a study done in Northern Uganda [41], Northern Tanzania [38], and India [46]. This might be due to the fact that male has higher decision-making power, and currently in Ethiopia, male involvement in PMTCT and related reproductive health services became increased which ultimately increase contraceptive usage to minimize unintended pregnancy. Similarly, mothers who disclosed their HIV status to their spouse/parent were more likely to utilize contraceptives as compared with mothers who did not disclosed their HIV status to their spouse/parent. This is in line with a study done in Uganda [5], Canada [47], and Zambia [45]. This might be due to nowadays stigmatization, and misconception-related HIV/AIDS was reduced due to community awareness and raised spousal support which leads HIV positive women to disclose their status to their spouse/parent.Those mothers who ever counseled about modern contraceptives were more likely to use contraceptives as compared with their counter parts. This is consistent with a study conducted in Northern Tanzania [38]. This might be explained by HIV positive women who receive more information on reproductive health since they are frequently in contact with health care providers during their follow-up visit. Additionally, nowadays, the government gives great emphasis on couple counseling about contraceptive methods to minimize the occurrence of unintended pregnancy due to disapproval of the husband.Contraceptive use was higher among mothers who have more than one living child as compared with mothers who have one child. This finding is supported with a study conducted in Nairobi, Kenya [37]. This might be explained by women with more than one living child that might use contraceptive methods to space or limit child births. In fact, those women who have already reached the number of children they want used contraceptive methods. But in this meta-analysis, the odds of contraceptive use among currently unmarried women were less likely as compared with currently married women. This is in line with a study done in Nairobi, Kenya [37], and Swaziland (62.5%) [39]. This might be explained that they did not use contraceptive methods due to the fact that they were free from sexual intercourse.


### 4.1. Limitations of the Study

The study designs for all primary studies included in this systematic review and meta-analysis were cross-sectional; as the result, the confounding variables most of the time might affect the outcome variable. Despite, generalizability is possible since the study is at national level; however, establishing temporal cause and effect relationship is impossible due to the natural design limitation of cross-sectional studies.


## 4.1. Limitations of the Study

The study designs for all primary studies included in this systematic review and meta-analysis were cross-sectional; as the result, the confounding variables most of the time might affect the outcome variable. Despite, generalizability is possible since the study is at national level; however, establishing temporal cause and effect relationship is impossible due to the natural design limitation of cross-sectional studies.


## 5. Conclusion

In this study, nearly three-fifth of HIV positive women used contraceptive methods. HIV status disclosure, attending secondary and above education, women discussed with their spouse/parent, having more than one living child, and ever counselled about contraceptive methods were factors that increase the likelihood of contraceptive use among HIV positive women. Therefore, based on the study findings, husband involvement and providing counselling about contraceptive methods for HIV positive women should be encouraged, and there is a need for an intensified effort to improve reproductive health service utilization. Health care providers in charge of HIV care giving must also integrate family planning services in HIV care during follow-up visits.



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