Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (May 2021)

Understanding the Importance of Fatherhood among Men Living with HIV in Ontario

  • Luke Thomas Kyne BSc,
  • Mark H. Yudin MD, MSc,
  • Tsegaye Bekele MPH, MSA,
  • Mona Loutfy MD, MPH,
  • Sean B. Rourke PhD,
  • James Watson BA,
  • Joseph Nguemo Djiometio PhD, MPH,
  • Tony Antoniou PhD,
  • Jason Globerman MSc,
  • Adam McGee BA,
  • V. Logan Kennedy MN, BScN

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/23259582211016133
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 20

Abstract

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While pregnancy and motherhood have become paramount clinical issues for women living with HIV, parenting has received less attention among men living with HIV (MLWH). We conducted a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study assessing fertility desires and intentions of MLWH using a 5-point Likert scale based on the question: “Being a father is important to me”. Logistic regression models were fit to calculate unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) for significant correlates. Of the 276 respondents, 118 were heterosexual, 158 were gay, bisexual, 2-spirit, or queer (GBTQ), 55% had never parented before, and 65% wanted to parent. 191 (69%) respondents agreed that fatherhood was important to them. In unadjusted analyses, heterosexuality (OR 1.52; 95% CI 1.15 to 2.03), African/Caribbean/Black ethnicity (OR 1.57; 95% CI 1.12 to 2.19), African/Caribbean birthplace (OR 1.48; 95% CI 1.06 to 2.05), and history of parenting (OR 1.60; 95% CI 1.10 to 2.39) were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with importance of fatherhood. However, none of these variables were significant in adjusted analyses. From the unadjusted model, factors such as sexual orientation, ethnicity, and current parenthood may influence how MLWH value fatherhood, suggesting HIV and fatherhood is complex and must be explored further.