Understanding the Importance of Fatherhood among Men Living with HIV in Ontario. (17th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kyne, Luke Thomas; Yudin, Mark H.; Bekele, Tsegaye; Loutfy, Mona; Rourke, Sean B.; Watson, James; Nguemo Djiometio, Joseph; Antoniou, Tony; Globerman, Jason; McGee, Adam; Kennedy, V. Logan
• Is Part Of: Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care. Volume 20(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-05-17
• Subjects: community-based research -- fatherhood -- men; AIDS (Disease) -- Periodicals; 616.9792
• DOI: 10.1177/23259582211016133
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2325-9574

Abstract

While pregnancy and motherhood have become paramount clinical issues for women living with HIV, parenting has received less attention among men living with HIV (MLWH). We conducted a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study assessing fertility desires and intentions of MLWH using a 5-point Likert scale based on the question: "Being a father is important to me". Logistic regression models were fit to calculate unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) for significant correlates. Of the 276 respondents, 118 were heterosexual, 158 were gay, bisexual, 2-spirit, or queer (GBTQ), 55% had never parented before, and 65% wanted to parent. 191 (69%) respondents agreed that fatherhood was important to them. In unadjusted analyses, heterosexuality (OR 1.52; 95% CI 1.15 to 2.03), African/Caribbean/Black ethnicity (OR 1.57; 95% CI 1.12 to 2.19), African/Caribbean birthplace (OR 1.48; 95% CI 1.06 to 2.05), and history of parenting (OR 1.60; 95% CI 1.10 to 2.39) were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with importance of fatherhood. However, none of these variables were significant in adjusted analyses. From the unadjusted model, factors such as sexual orientation, ethnicity, and current parenthood may influence how MLWH value fatherhood, suggesting HIV and fatherhood is complex and must be explored further.