Family planning is an important aspect of primary health care. In order to improve the
efficacy of available contraceptive methods, it is of importance to identify factors
influencing women’s choice of contraception. In Kenya, like many other sub-Saharan
countries, prevention of unintended pregnancies among HIV positive women as a
strategy for PMTCT has been neglected. This has resulted in a large population of HIV
positive women who have a substantial degree of unmet need for family planning,
estimated at 60% in the 2007 Kenya Aids Indicator Survey. This study focused on
exploring the various determinants of contraceptive choices among HIV positive women
of reproductive age seeking services at comprehensive care centre, Kitale County
Referral hospital, Trans Nzoia County. The specific objectives for this study were to
determine the knowledge levels, to determine the types of modern contraception used and
to assess the factors that influence contraceptive choices among HIV positive women of
reproductive age attending comprehensive care centre at Kitale County Referral Hospital.
This was a cross-sectional descriptive study of 357 randomly selected HIV positive
women where both quantitative and qualitative information was collected. The research
instruments used were a questionnaire, key informant interview guide and a focus group
discussion guide. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences
(SPSS V.20). Statistical techniques including Chi square, and logistic regression were
used in the analysis. P<0.05 was considered significant. The findings showed that more
than half of HIV positive women 182 (52.1%) were using hormonal modern
contraceptives. Controlling for occupation, age, religion, access to contraceptives and
facing challenges were significant determinants of contraceptive choice (p<0.05). Those
below 30 years were less likely to choose non-hormonal contraceptives compared to
those 30 years and above (OR; 95%CI: 0.341; 0.195-0.598). Those affiliated with
catholic religion were 2 times more likely to choose non hormonal contraceptives
compared to Protestants (OR; 95%CI: 2.226; 1.192-4.158). Those accessing
contraceptive at the CCC were 11 times more likely to choose non-hormonal
contraceptives compare to those accessing from other places (OR; 95%CI: 11.265; 2.914-
43.551). Those experiencing challenges in accessing contraceptives were 6 times more
likely to choose non-hormonal contraceptives compared to those not (OR; 95%CI: 6.246;
1.410-27.673).In conclusion,choice of contraceptive was strongly related to age, religion,
access and challenges. There is need for the Governmental and nongovernmental
organizations, health facilities and other stakeholders to ensure availability, accessibility
and sustained advocacy for use of appropriate contraceptive methods. This will guarantee
contraceptive commodity security and sustained demand for contraception among HIV
positive women of reproductive age. There is also need for researchers to investigate
husbands’ perception and acceptance towards contraceptive use by their partners.