Partner disclosure and human immunodefficiency virus serology status among antenatal clinicattendees with human immunodefficiency virus infection in Ilorin
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2014-07
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Abia State University and Abia State University Medical Research Society
Abstract
Background: The high prevalence of human immunodefi ciency virus (HIV) remains rampant in sub-Saharan Africa with poor partner disclosure and a high risk for infections among serodiscordant couples. Objective: To determine the prevalence, partner disclosure and HIV serology pattern among HIV positive antenatal clinic attendees. Design: A descriptive (retrospective) study. Setting: The antenatal clinic of a tertiary center in Ilorin, Nigeria. Subjects: HIV positive women receiving antenatal care at the study site from September 1, 2010 to February 28, 2013. Materials and Methods: The case fi les and the antenatal clinic records of all participants were retrieved, relevant data were extracted and presented in tables and charts. Results: Of the 7,342
antenatal clinic attendees during the study period, 237 were HIV-positive (prevalence 4.9%). The modal age group was 30–34 years (42.6%), adolescents were three (1.3%), 206 (86.9%) were educated, 192 (81%) were employed, 96 (40.5%) were diagnosed during index pregnancy while 141 (59.5%) were diagnosed and commenced antiretroviral therapy prior to conception. The modal age for male partners was 35–44 years (54%), 228 (96.2%) were aware of the woman’s HIV status, 211 (89%) of these men were aware of their own HIV status while the 26 (11%) refused testing; the serodiscordance rate was 56.7%. Conclusion: The high serodiscordance rate for HIV infection portends a signifi cant risk for transmission between partners; thus, higher awareness during and outside pregnancy should be improved upon to educate on strategies for preventing partner and mother to child transmissions.
Description
Keywords
Antenatal clinic attendees, Human immunodeficiency virus infection, Human imunodeficiency virus serology, Partner disclosure