Integration of family planning services with HIV treatment for women of reproductive age attending ART clinic in Oromia regional state, Ethiopia

• Main Authors: Dereje Bayissa Demissie, Rose Mmusi-Phetoe
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2021-05-01
• Series: Reproductive Health
• Subjects: Family planning; HIV services; Integration; Women living with HIV
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-021-01157-0

Plain language summary These study findings are strongly in favour of integrated services offering multiple health services at the same facility by the same provider. Service integration based on the needs of women of reproductive age was found to be necessary in public health facilities where people have access only to primary healthcare facilities. Integrated family planning with HIV (FP-HIV) services contribute to women’s wellbeing by addressing a wide range of health needs and offering convenience of receiving multiple services a single visit. Integrated FP-HIV services further address women’s vulnerability to other sexual reproductive health problems. Integrated FP-HIV services should contribute to comprehensive national family planning programs to enable the provision of full access to a variety of contraceptive methods. The latter should enable couples and individuals to obtain services at a one-stop supermarket to achieve optimal reproductive and sexual health to meet their needs. The findings from study generated adequate knowledge and equipped managers with skills integrating family planning with HIV services among women of reproductive age in Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. The study’s findings have emphasized the urgent need to fully implement action focusing on integrating family planning/HIV services for women of reproductive age living HIV and attending ART clinics. The study prioritized the need to strengthen the capacity of health centers to provide quality FP-HIV.