Background In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) prevalence among reproductive-aged women remains high, and infertility among these women is common. The social consequences for these women are yet to be explored. This scoping review summarises the social consequences of living with HIV and infertility for SSA women.Methods This scoping review of published peer-reviewed literature focused on the intersection of infertility and living with HIV among women in SSA. We followed the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews. We searched PubMed, Web of Science and SCOPUS and included all original research reports which met the inclusion criteria; women in Sub-Saharan Africa, living with HIV, and infertility.Results Fourteen papers met the inclusion criteria. Both HIV diagnosis and infertility were reported as stigmatising experiences for women who desire to have children. The stigma of infertility had a greater negative impact on women than that of an HIV diagnosis. Familial, community support, and medical intervention were perceived vital to ensure women feel de-stigmatised and in control of their future, even without children.Conclusion This is the first review demonstrating the social consequences of HIV and infertility on SSA women. Further research and interventions are needed to reduce the social consequences of infertility within SSA.
[1]Univ Sydney, Fac Med & Hlth, Sch Sexual & Reprod Hlth, Level 4,Jeffery House,162 Marsden St, Sydney, NSW 2150, Australia.
[2]White Rose Interdisciplinary Network Fertil Care G, Sheffield, England.
[3]Univ Sydney, Fac Med & Hlth, Postgrad Program Sexual & Reprod Hlth, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
[4]Univ Sydney, Sydney Infect Dis Inst, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
[5]Western Sydney Local Hlth Dist, Western Sydney Sexual Hlth Ctr, Parramatta, NSW, Australia.
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