Decrease of condom use in heterosexual couples and its impact on pregnancy rates: the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS)

Publication

Decrease of condom use in heterosexual couples and its impact on pregnancy rates: the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS)

Journal Paper/Review - Sep 2, 2021

Hachfeld Anna, Aebi-Popp Karoline, Stoeckle Marcel, Boillat-Blanco Noémie, Kahlert Christian, Paioni Paolo, Hasse Barbara, de Tejada Begoña Martinez, Calmy Alexandra, Atkinson Andrew, Swiss HIV Cohort Study, the Swiss Mother, Child HIV Cohort Study (MoCHiV)

Citation

Hachfeld A, Aebi-Popp K, Stoeckle M, Boillat-Blanco N, Kahlert C, Paioni P, Hasse B, de Tejada B, Calmy A, Atkinson A, Swiss HIV Cohort Study, the Swiss Mother, Child HIV Cohort Study (MoCHiV). Decrease of condom use in heterosexual couples and its impact on pregnancy rates: the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS). HIV Med 2021

Type

Journal Paper/Review (English)

Journal

HIV Med 2021

Publication Date

Sep 2, 2021

Issn Electronic

1468-1293

Brief description/objective

INTRODUCTION
Following the 'Swiss statement' in 2008 it became an option to omit the use of condoms in serodiscordant couples and to conceive naturally. We analysed its impact on condom use and pregnancy events.

METHODS
In all, 3023 women (aged 18-49 years) participating in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study were included. Observation time was divided into pre- and post-Swiss statement phases (July 2005-December 2008 and January 2009-December 2019). We used descriptive statistics, Poisson interrupted time series analysis for pregnancy incidence, and logistic regression to identify predictors of live births, spontaneous and induced abortions.

RESULTS
Condomless sex in sexually active women increased from 25% in 2005 to 75% in 2019, while pregnancy incidence did not. Women after 2008 experienced higher spontaneous abortion rates (12.1% vs. 17.2%, p = 0.02) while induced abortion and live birth rates did not change significantly. Spontaneous abortions were more common in older women [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.2-1.7, p < 0.001], in women consuming alcohol (aOR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.9-4.1, p < 0.001) and in those with non-suppressed viral load (aOR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1-0.4, p ≤ 0.001). Induced abortions were more likely in women with depression (aOR = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.8-6.3, p < 0.001) and non-suppressed viral load (aOR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.2-0.7, p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS
The publication of the Swiss statement resulted in more condomless sex in heterosexual women, but this did not result in a higher incidence of pregnancy. Maternal age and spontaneous abortion rates increased over time, while induced abortion rates were not significantly affected. Women living with HIV in Switzerland have an unmet need regarding family planning counselling.