The effect of cognitive-behavioural therapy on the reproductive health of women with HIV: A randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Introduction: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is generally related to reproductive health and is most commonly transmitted through injection addiction, sexual relationship, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Therefore, the promotion of reproductive health of women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is very important. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of counselling on cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) on reproductive health in women with HIV. Material and methods: This randomised controlled trial was conducted in 2017. Sixty HIV-infected women who referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital Consultation Centre for clients with risky behaviour in Tehran participated in this study. The sampling method was census, and samples were randomly assigned to two groups: control and intervention. In addition to routine care, the intervention group received seven cognitive-behavioural counselling sessions on reproductive health. The questionnaire used in this study was a reproductive health assessment scale for HIV-positive women. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the demographic characteristics in the control and intervention groups. The result of repeated measures test showed that the length of time affects the total score of reproductive health (p < 0.000) and there was a significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.000). Conclusions: It is suggested that CBT counselling approaches be included in educational programs for the health of women with HIV. Given the widespread dimensions of reproductive health, counselling with a cognitive therapy approach in each dimension with the number of further sessions is suggested.