Cultural perception about unplanned pregnancy of pregnant women living with HIV

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the sociocultural view of unplanned pregnancy of women living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), who were patients of the National Institute of Perinatology, México City, intending to understand the decisions concerning their reproductive lives. The study had a sociocultural qualitative approach.

Material and Methods: Each woman included in the investigation underwent a semi-structured interview; all provided informed consent. We studied 15 pregnant women living with HIV.

The main topics explored in the interview were: 1) meaning of pregnancy; 2) perception of the HIV infection concept; 3) cultural reasons for continuing with unplanned pregnancy, and 4)concerns about maternity and living with HIV.

Results: The most frequent responses to the question: why continue the unplanned pregnancy? were, firstly, the perception in their social sphere that abortion is a crime, and secondly, the suggestion of relatives and health workers to continue the pregnancy.

Conclusions: We conclude that the social and cultural context that determines the beliefs and meanings of HIV infection, and of reproduction have an important role in understanding the behavior of HIV-infected pregnant women. These women must be given unprejudiced medical attention, discussing with them different management options.