HIV sero-prevalence among pregnant women in a resource constrained setting, South East Nigeria
Ezugwu, E.C.; Agu, P.; Ohayi, S.A.M.; Okeke, T.C.; Dim, C.C.; Obi, S.N.
Nigerian Journal of Medicine Journal of the National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria 21(3): 338-342
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 1115-2613 PMID: 23304933 Document Number: 572873
HIV infection and AIDS is a public health problem worldwide, particularly affecting the populace in resource constrained settings like in sub-Saharan Africa. Women of reproductive age are most affected and infected with the disease. A descriptive study of pregnant women presenting for the first time at the obstetrics booking clinic of ESUTTH, Parklane from 1st April, 2009 to 31st March, 2010. Socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behavior, pregnancy history and STI related symptoms were obtained using already prepared proforma. HIV Screening test was conducted in a serial two step approach using Determine HIV test kits and Stat- Pak HIV kits after obtaining an informed consent. Discordant results were subjected to Western blot for confirmation. Data were entered and analyzed using Epi-info statistical software. P Value < 0.05 were assessed as statistically significant at 95% confidence interval. A total of 1306 women were recruited, 66 women were HIV positive, giving a prevalence rate of 5.1%. Their mean age was 28.79 +/- 5.06 years. Majority of them were married (9%). The mean gestational age at booking was 26.2 +/- 6.8 weeks. Alcohol intake, history of 3 or more sexual partner in the last 5 years, abnormal vaginal discharge in the last 12 months, history of genital ulcer in last 12 month, had a statistically significant association with prevalence of HIV infection (p value < 0.005). HIV infection prevalence rate in among antenatal attendants in Enugu is still high. A multi-sectoral approach is required for effective prevention and control of the disease to ensure achievement of Millennium development Goals 5&6.