Preferences for multipurpose technology and non-oral methods of
antiretroviral therapy among women living with HIV in western Kenya: a
survey study
Abstract
Objective: To understand the preferences of women living with HIV
(WLHIV) for methods of multipurpose technology (MPT) for the
co-administration of contraception and antiretroviral therapy (ART) and
non-oral ART to guide their development and implementation. Design: A
cross-sectional telephone survey as part of a study of pregnancy
incidence among contraception and ART users Setting: Our study was
performed in western Kenya Population: We included 1132 WLHIV of
reproductive potential with prior experience using injectable and
long-acting contraception Methods: We performed descriptive statistics
and multinomial logistic regression Main Outcome Measures: Main outcomes
were interest in MPT, important characteristics and preferred methods
for MPT and non-oral ART, and predictors of interest in specific methods
Results: Two-thirds (67%) reported interest in MPT, most commonly due
to ease of using a single medication for both HIV treatment and
pregnancy prevention (26%). Main reasons for lack of interest in MPT
were need to stop/not use contraception while continuing ART (21%) and
risk of side effects (16%). Preferred methods for MPT and non-oral ART
were injectables (50%, 54%) and implants (32%, 31%). Prior use of a
contraceptive implant or injectable predicted interest in similar
methods for MPT and non-oral ART, and this did not vary by age.
Conclusions: Many WLHIV in western Kenya are interested in MPT for
contraception and ART. Prior experience with contraceptive implants and
injectables predicts interest in similar methods of MPT and non-oral
ART. Funding: NIH NIAID (K23AI120855) and the NIH NIAID, NICHD, NIDA,
NCI, & NIMH for the EA-IeDEA Consortium (U01AI069911)