Sexual and Reproductive Health Needs and Concerns of Iranian Hiv-Positive Pregnant Women During the Covid-19 Pandemic Publisher



Firoozehchian F^{1, 2} ; Behboodimoghadam Z² ; Shahmohammadi L³ ; Asadi L² Show Affiliations
Source: HIV and AIDS Review Published:2025

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected health and well-being of people throughout the world. Considering the complicated physical and mental problems of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive pregnant women, the aim of this study was to describe the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs and concerns of these women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods: This qualitative study was conducted with a content analysis approach to examine the SRH needs and worries of HIV-positive pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 15 HIV-positive women participated in this study, including seven women with a history of pregnancy and eight women currently pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting to Behavioral Diseases Counseling Center of Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex. In total, in-depth, 17 semi-structured, individual interviews were employed to collect data. Purposeful sampling was used with maximum diversity, and continued until reaching data saturation. Results: Content analysis of interviews was performed according to steps proposed by Zhang and Wildemuth, and resulted in three main categories and eight sub-categories. Main categories included increased fear of death, concern about the effect of COVID-19 on the fetus, and issues and problems in accessing appropriate prenatal services. Conclusions: The findings of the present study can help health planners implement more effective interventions to support and care of HIV-positive pregnant women during outbreaks, such as COVID-19 or similar health crises. © 2025 Termedia Publishing House Ltd.. All rights reserved.