Genderized Perspectives on Contraceptive Use: An Exploratory Study of Persons Living with HIV in Rural Kenya

Abstract

This study set out to investigate gender differences in contraceptive use and preference among persons living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHAs). The study was conducted in a rural setting in the South-western part of Kenya. The study revealed that women have a higher rate of attendance of ART and reproductive health clinic than their male counterparts. This study also found that women demonstrated a higher level of knowledge regarding contraceptive methods, compared to men. Finally, the study reveals that while more women in the study area preferred implants over any other contraceptive method, most of them nonetheless utilize injections more than implants. This could be as a result of the influence of their male sexual partners, most of whom prefer the injection. The study further reveals that men preferred condoms mainly because of the influence of the clinical officers’ advice and their ready availability.