As a part of translating the findings of a research to understand reproductive career of HIV infected women, a booklet titled ‘’Stories-Yours and Mine” was prepared. This booklet [available on the website] is being distributed since May 2013 to HIV infected women in their reproductive age groups who participated in the research and/or who are attending the Prayas Amrita clinic during an individual counselling session with HIV infected woman. The results that emerged from our data analysis on the trajectories of reproductive career of HIV infected women, the timing of reproductive events and the reasons behind reproductive decisions (non-use of contraception; pregnancy termination) are incorporated while writing the stories in the booklet. The stories also go beyond the results of the research and deals with several other issues, which are inherently associated with HIV infection including disclosure of HIV status within couples, betrayal in a relationship, and so forth which were noted by interviewers in the research diary. Compared to the most available health education material, the booklet is different. It not only provides contextual information that might help HIV infected people make more informed choices (contraceptive methods in the context of HIV) but also adopts an innovative approach of communication with HIV infected women and men (narratives) by embedding reproductive health messages and choices in the local socio-cultural context while advocating for rights of people.

Objectives:

This exploratory study aimed at gaining better understanding on the effectiveness of narrative communication about sexual and reproductive health issues; specifically choice of contraceptive methods among HIV infected women. The specific objectives of this research were

• To assess impact of an existing research based intervention designed to assist HIV infected women and men to make more informed decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health
• To understand the women’s perception about such intervention and if the information provided in narrative format is helpful in improving women’s health literacy related to sexual and reproductive health.

Type of research: Mixed methods. Survey and qualitative research

Investigators:    Dr. Shrinivas Darak,

Prof. Inge Hutter

Funding: ShareNet International, Small Grants through University of Groningen

Start date: May 2015

End date:  January 2016