Basic Elements of Integrated Family Planning and HIV/STI Prevention Counseling

Risk Perception: Helping the Client to Determine and Perceive Her Own Risk

Exploring the client’s individual circumstances, risks, and needs:

• Sensitive approach to eliciting information about the client’s personal life
• Consider the client’s broad reproductive health needs
• Explore potential HIV/STI risks
• Explore pregnancy-prevention needs
  

For example, asking questions about the client’s sexual life, in terms of her partner(s), relationships, and sexual practices; the client’s knowledge of whether her partner has other partners or engages in other sexual behaviors that are risky; whether the client talks to her partner about their sexual life, family planning, and/or AIDS; and the client’s and partner’s STI/RTI history and present symptoms

Providing information:

• Explore the client’s knowledge of STIs, HIV, and family planning, and fill in gaps
• Explain STI/HIV transmission and risk, relating it to the client’s individual situation

Decision Making

• Contraceptive and STI-prevention options in relation to the client’s individual needs
• Consider dual protection (dual benefits of condoms alone or dual method use)
• Consider other options for those at risk who cannot negotiate with a partner
• Help the client consider feasibility and potential consequences of decisions

Skills to Implement Decisions

• Demonstrate correct condom use
• Explain use of other selected family planning method
• Discuss strategies for sexual negotiation (safer sex, condom use, partner communication)