HIV status and unintended pregnancy and contraceptive use among women in Zambia

Akinrinola Bankole, Guttmacher Institute
Isaac Adewole, University of Ibadan
Kumbutso Dzekedzeke, Independent Consultant
Olutosin Awolude, University of Ibadan
Maximillian M. Bewupe, Ministry of Health, Zambia

Studies have established that HIV-positive women want fewer children than HIV-negative women. However, little is known about their relative ability to prevent unintended pregnancy. Using data from a random sample of 1,280 women aged 18-49 collected in Zambia in 2010, this paper examines the experiences of unintended pregnancy and efforts to prevent it by HIV status. Preliminary findings suggest that HIV-negative women tend to practice contraception more than HIV-positive women. However, this does not seem to translate into greater ability to achieve fertility goals. Given the paucity of research in this area, evidence from these recently collected data will bridge gaps in existing knowledge and provide information for establishing programs and policies that promote achievement of the reproductive preferences of women and their spouses in Zambia.