# Healthcare providers’ perception about challenges of reproductive health service utilisation

## TL;DR

This study explores why reproductive health services are underused by HIV-positive women, based on healthcare providers' perceptions in Addis Ababa.

## Contribution

The study identifies provider-perceived barriers to reproductive health service use among seropositive women in Ethiopia.

## Key findings

- Low reproductive healthcare utilisation is linked to vertical HIV care approaches and lack of multidimensional care guidance.
- Fear of status disclosure and preference for only HIV care hinder reproductive health service use among seropositive women.
- The study suggests integrating reproductive health with HIV care to improve comprehensive service delivery.

## Abstract

Reproductive health service maintains optimal health and reduces missed opportunities for seropositive women. But it is reported that the service uptake is not adequately recognised.

This study helped to explore healthcare providers’ perceived challenges of reproductive health service utilisation by seropositive women.

This study was conducted in Addis Ababa, June 2021.

Qualitative-exploratory research design was carried out. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) programme representative health professionals (n = 22) were recruited through the snowball sampling method from different levels of facility and health offices. They participated in three researcher-led focused group discussion (FGD) using semi-structured guiding questions. Prior to actual FGD sessions, a pilot test was done. ATLAS.ti version 7.0 software was used for data analysis. Data visualisation, coding and thematic analysis were done consecutively.

Participants’ mean age was 30.14 years; 12 (54.5%) of them were nurses, and 11 (50%) of them worked for 2–4 years. Low reproductive healthcare utilisation was related to the vertical care delivery approach to HIV, lack of clear guidance for providing multidimensional care, technical skill gaps and the low caring attitude of health professionals. Another factor that lessens reproductive health use was seropositive women’s fear of status disclosure, interest for only HIV care or demanding additional incentives for newly introduced care.

Reproductive health service is inadequately utilised by seropositive women due to several reasons and causes inefficient opportunities to care.

This study helps for task-shifting and to design reproductive health components integration with HIV care that ensures comprehensive service to these target population.