Reproductive health needs of HIV serodiscordant couples: a systematic review

Mohadese Motaharinezhad; Zahra Yousefi; Sahar Rostami; Sahar Rostami; Shahrbanoo Goli; Afsaneh Keramat

doi:10.3389/fpubh.2024.1348026

Frontiers in Public Health (Aug 2024)

Reproductive health needs of HIV serodiscordant couples: a systematic review

Mohadese Motaharinezhad,
Zahra Yousefi,
Sahar Rostami,
Sahar Rostami,
Shahrbanoo Goli,
Afsaneh Keramat

Affiliations

Mohadese Motaharinezhad: Student Research Committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
Zahra Yousefi: School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
Sahar Rostami: Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Sahar Rostami: Department of Infertility, Yas Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Shahrbanoo Goli: Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
Afsaneh Keramat: Center for Health Related Social and Behavioral Sciences Research, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1348026
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 12

Abstract

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ObjectivesHIV is closely linked to reproductive and sexual health. HIV Serodiscordant couples face significant social, reproductive, and sexual challenges. This systematic review aimed to identify their reproductive health needs.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was conducted across six databases: Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Magiran, and Iranmedex. No date restrictions were applied, and only English-language articles published before February 21, 2023, were included. We also searched the grey literature and conducted forward/backward citation searches.ResultsFrom an initial 758 articles, 18 met the inclusion criteria. Studies were qualitative (n = 10) and quantitative (n = 8). Key reproductive health needs included (1) childbearing intention, (2) HIV serodiscordance and sexuality, (3) psychological and social support, (4) training and consultation services, (5) access to reliable information, and (6) focused training for healthcare providers.ConclusionHIV-discordant couples face various reproductive health challenges. Implementing comprehensive guidelines for reproductive and sexual health, rehabilitation, and fertility planning is crucial to improving their quality of life and health.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023393567.

Published in Frontiers in Public Health

ISSN: 2296-2565 (Online)
Publisher: Frontiers Media S.A.
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Medicine: Public aspects of medicine
Website: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health

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