HIV and contraceptive use in Zimbabwe amongst sexually active adolescent girls and women: Secondary analysis of Zimbabwe Demographic Health survey data

Abstract Objective To describe contraceptive usage amongst HIV positive and negative sexually active adolescent girls and women using data from the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (2015-16). Methods We used statistical analysis to determine the association between use of various methods of contraception and HIV status using the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey, 2015-16 data. Results: Sexually active adolescent girls and women on the pill and on injections were less likely to be HIV positive compared to those not using any method of contraception, odds ratio (95% confidence interval) 0.54 (0.45-0.64), p=0.001 and 0.75 (0.59-0.96), p=0.020 respectively. Those using either a male or female condom were more likely to be HIV positive, OR (95%CI) 3.36 (2.63-4.28), p=0.001. Conclusions: This study corroborates that the use of implants and intrauterine contraceptive devices is very low both among the HIV-positive and HIV-negative sexually active adolescent girls and women, with no statistically significant differences between the two groups. However, statistically significant differences were noted in the use of condoms (13% versus 3%, p=0.001), with those who are HIV positive having a higher usage of condoms compared to those who are HIV negative. This may reflect that HIV positive individuals have received appropriate counselling messages on the need to protect their sexual partners.