Reproductive patterns and fertility wishes among HIV-infected patients: survey from six outpatient clinics in Denmark

OBJECTIVES: Reproductive patterns among HIV patients in Denmark have not previously been described. We aimed to uncover the fertility wishes among Danish HIV-infected persons.

METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was done at six outpatient HIV clinics in Denmark. A total of 409 (56%) HIV patients returned the questionnaire; 323 had completed the questionnaire, although they had not all responded to all of the questions.

RESULTS: Among HIV-infected individuals, 49% (137/280) had their own biological children. Fifteen percent (43/280) desired (additional) children and 15% (43/280) were undecided. Female gender, birth outside Europe, young age, completed high school education, heterosexuality, present partner, and non-disclosure were associated with a desire for children in the univariate analysis. In the multivariate analysis only young age, heterosexual orientation, and non-disclosure were significant. Thirty-seven percent (93/250) felt that HIV infection was a hindrance to having more children. The most common reasons indicated were fear of HIV transmission to the child (24%, 59/244) and to the partner (16%, 40/244).

CONCLUSIONS: Many HIV-infected patients have children and a substantial proportion of HIV-infected patients desire (additional) children, although there is a high degree of fear of HIV transmission to their partner or child. This highlights the need for care providers to improve the services provided to HIV-infected patients who desire to have children.