ABSTRACT
Background : Dual protection is recommended for prevention of unwanted pregnancies and protection against sexually transmitted infections; including HIV. It is critical for HIV-negative women to prevent sero-conversion and HIV transmission to their infants during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Methods: Women were followed post-partum; monthly to 9 months and 3-monthly to 24 months; in a cohort study investigating postnatal HIV transmission. Study nurses discussed family planning; including condom use; at each visit. Contraceptive methods used since the last visit were recorded. All women knew their HIV status; most women breastfed for a minimum of six months.Results : of 1137 HIV-positive and 1220 HIV-negative women the most common contraceptive method was the hormonal injectable; few women used condoms alone or as dual contraception (0-3 months 6.8; 7-12 months 16.3; 19-24 months 14.4). HIV-positive women were more likely to use condoms in years one and two post-partum (AOR 1.72; 95CI 1.38-2.14; pp=0.040). Conclusions. More creative ways of promoting condoms and dual contraception need to be found if new HIV infections; in women and children; are to be prevented