An exploration of the factors related to childbearing motivation in HIV infected women

This exploratory study, using quantitative and qualitative methods, looked at factors related to childbearing motivation in HIV infected women guided by Miller's Childbearing Motivation model. A sample of 51 HIV infected women (ages 19-45) were recruited. Study factors included age, marital status, number of children living at home, education, knowledge of CD4 counts and viral load, attendance at church and belief in a higher being.; Independent Samples T-tests were run, but showed a statistically significant difference on only one of the factors on one subscale of Miller's Childbearing Motivation Questionnaire "feeling needed and connected" in women that did not attend church. A Pearson Coefficient was calculated and only relationship with a higher being was significant on the subscale of "instrumental values of children".; Qualitative themes that emerged were access to a higher being, relationship maintenance through study, prayer, and talking to God, actions powered by beliefs; frequent conversations with health care providers, constant questions, reduction of transmission, and pregnancy would be chancy.; Three implications for nursing emerged: (1) Nurses may be in a unique position to facilitate a family centered approach for the care of HIV infected women. (2) Because religious beliefs are important components to decision making in women in this sample, the use of Parish nurses to provide comfort and assistance would be beneficial. (3) Self determination was important to these women; therefore nurses must offer accurate information, provide a range of options and support the woman and her partner in their reproductive decisions.