Socio-economic implications of the management of HIV positive pregnant women--a review of four cases in Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Owolabi, A.T.; Owolabi, S.P.
Nigerian Journal of Medicine Journal of the National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria 10(4): 169-172
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 1115-2613 PMID: 11805998 Document Number: 538225
AIDS constitutes a major public health problem in developed and developing countries. The experience at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (O.A.U.T.H.C.), Ile-Ife, Nigeria has shown that HIV/AIDS is not uncommon. Screening of pregnant women with symptoms and signs suggestive of HIV/AIDS revealed 5 cases in three years (1996-1998). Four of these cases were reviewed to highlight the socio-economic implications and the burden of the disease on maternal and child health in our environment. It was shown that the socio-economic status of the women could not support adequate management of their conditions resulting in poor outcomes namely abortion, increased risk of infection to the baby and debts from hospital bills among others. Improvement in the socio-economic conditions of the populace and community health education on HIV/AIDS will enhance the outcome of management in pregnancy. In addition to emphasising preventive measures, research into appropriate mode of management of HIV/AIDS in pregnancy is urgently needed in our environment.