Prevalence Of Pregnant Women Research Articles

Estimation of HTLV-1 vertical transmission cases in Brazil per annum.

BackgroundBrazil has at least 800,000 HTLV-1 infected individuals. HTLV-1 can be transmitted via sexual intercourse, contact with blood and from mother to child, mainly by breastfeeding. Treatments for the high morbidity/mortality associated diseases (ATL and HAM/TSP) are limited, therefore, infection prevention is of utmost importance. However, antenatal screening is not routinely performed in Brazil. A lack of data regarding the number of individuals infected via breastfeeding impairs the development of government policies. The objective is to estimate the number of HTLV-1 infections occurring annually due to mother to child transmission (MTCT) in Brazil, nationally and regionally.MethodologyTo estimate HTLV-1 MTCT in Brazil the following variables are modelled: number of births, prevalence of HTLV-1 infection in pregnant women, breastfeeding duration rate and transmission risk according to breastfeeding period. The number of cases of HAM/TSP and ATL attributable to MTCT are also estimated.Principal findingsIn 2008, there were 2,934,828 live births in Brazil. HTLV prevalence in pregnant women in Brazil ranges between 0.1–1.05% by region. An estimated 16,548 HTLV-1 infected women are pregnant each year. According to the breastfeeding pattern and HTLV-1 prevalence of each region there are an estimated 3,024 new cases of HTLV-1 infection due to MTCT annually of which 2,610 are preventable through infant feeding advice. These 3,024 transmissions will result in 120–604 cases of ATL and 8–272 of HAM/TSP. North-East region comprises the high number of MTCT cases, followed by South-East.Conclusions/significanceA high number of new HTLV-1 infections due to MTCT occur every year in Brazil. Antenatal screening and avoiding breastfeeding are essential to prevent subsequent development of HTLV-1-associated diseases.

Association between Sleep-Disordered Breathing during Pregnancy and Maternal and Fetal Outcomes: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Due to the high prevalence in pregnant women and potential association with pregnancy complications or perinatal outcomes, sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) has become an increasing concern. Pubmed and Embase were retrieved from inception until 2017 to conduct a meta-analysis to explore the association of SDB and several outcomes during gestation. A stratified analysis differentiated by the type of SDB [snoring alone/obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)] was also performed. Pooled odds ratios were produced for binary outcomes. Weighted mean differences were also produced for continuous outcomes. Sensitivity analysis was performed to identify the impact of individual studies on summary results and estimation of publication bias was performed by funnel plot. 35 studies with a total of 56,751,837 subjects were included. SDB during pregnancy was associated with a significantly increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), and preeclampsia (PEC), but not significantly associated with fetal maternal outcomes, namely APGAR score and birth weight. Moreover, OSA was linked with an increasing risk of GDM, PIH, PEC and preterm birth while snoring appeared to increase the risk of GDM, PIH, and PEC. The finding provided potential evidence for association between SDB and adverse perinatal outcomes. SDB increased the risk of some pregnancy complications while its influence to fetal outcomes was not clear.

Predicting Pregnancy Complications in Women with Heart Disease

As the care of women with congenital heart disease improves and mean maternal age rises, the prevalence of pregnant women with heart disease has been

Women infected with HIV and the impact of associated sexually transmitted infections

To review the relationship between concomitant sexually transmitted infections in women infected with HIV. PubMed and Scopus were searched for articles published in English and Portuguese between January 1, 1994, and December 31, 2015, using relevant keywords, including AIDS, HIV, female genital diseases, and sexually transmitted infections. Articles that associated sexually transmitted infections with HIV-infected women were selected for inclusion. Those that only investigated prevalence in pregnant women or focused on social or behavioral aspects were excluded. Of 108 identified articles, 24 were included. When correlated with HIV, genital herpes demonstrated an increased recurrence rate and increased replication rate for HIV in the mucosa. In HIV-positive women, syphilis can cause more genital ulcers. Bacterial vaginosis provides a pool of microorganisms that can increase the viral copy levels of genital HIV. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and candidiasis may be more severe and complicated in women infected with HIV. Screening of HIV-positive patients who could have other sexually transmitted infections is important to protect women and decrease the risk of transmission.

Prevalence of Trichomonas Vaginalis and its Correlation with Socio-demographic Variables in Pregnant Women in Al-Diwaniya,Iraq

Estimates of Trichomonas vaginalis prevalence in pregnant women are variable with few studies in Iraq.T. vaginalis is a worldwide prevalent sexually transmitted infection,but fortunately,it is very treatable. Researchers believed that pregnancy is one of the effective factors for T. vaginalis infection in women.A cross-sectional study performed in Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Maternity and Children Teaching Hospital in Al-Diwaniya city on two hundred female pregnant patients between the ages of 16-45 years. These females had no intercourse for 2–3 days,not using drugs (antibiotics,antiprotozoal or steroids) for the last 15 days. Vaginal discharges of any type with or without itching,burning sensation or both were their main complaints. Vaginal swabs were taken from all participating patients for direct wet mount microscopy and culture for the detection of Trichomonas vaginalis infection. The study showed that twelve out of two hundred examined pregnant women (6%) presented with T. vaginalis infection. The infection was more in those with mothers’ age (26-35) years,housewives,low education,higher parity,and of rural residents. Other maternal variables were not significantly associated with T. vaginalis infection. The study showed a prevalence of (6%) of T. vaginalis infection in pregnant female attendees. Infection was more in those with mothers ’age (26-35) years,housewives,low educational level,higher parity,and living in rural areas.

Risk factors for neonatal early-onset group B streptococcus-related diseases after the implementation of a universal screening program in Taiwan

BackgroundWe examined the risk for Group B streptococcus (GBS)-related diseases in newborns born to mothers who participated in a universal GBS screening program and to determine whether differences are observed in factors affecting the morbidity for neonatal early-onset GBS-related diseases.MethodsThis is a retrospective study and the study subjects were women who had undergone GBS screening and who gave birth naturally and their newborns between April 15, 2012 and December 31, 2013. Data from the GBS screening system database and the National Health Insurance database were collected to calculate the GBS prevalence in pregnant women and morbidity of newborns with early-onset GBS-related diseases.ResultsThe GBS prevalence in pregnant women who gave birth naturally was 19.58%. The rate of early-onset infection caused by GBS in newborns decreased from the original 0.1% to 0.02%, a decrease of as high as 80%. After the implementation of the universal GBS screening program, only three factors, including positive GBS screening result (OR = 2.84), CCI (OR = 2.45), and preterm birth (OR = 4.81) affected the morbidity for neonatal early-onset GBS-related diseases, whereas other factors had no significant impact.ConclusionThe implementation of the universal GBS screening program decreased the infection rate of neonatal early-onset GBS diseases. The effects of socioeconomic factors and high-risk pregnancy on early-onset GBS infections were weakened.

Ten-Year-Trend of HIV Prevalence among Pregnant Women in Benin

Background: HIV infection for children is mainly due to mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) that can occur during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. In Benin, the residual rate of HIV transmission from mother to child remained high. The objective of the study was to describe a ten-year-trend of HIV prevalence in pregnant women in Benin. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out from 2006 to 2015 across the country and consisted in reviewing the reports of the annual surveys of HIV infection among pregnant women. Chi square test was used to assess the trend over time of HIV prevalence among pregnant women. Equations of regression lines of HIV prevalence trend graphs were estimated to determine the direction of the trend. Results: A total of 138,319 pregnant women participated in the annual HIV surveys from 2006 to 2015. The prevalence of HIV infection from 2006 to 2015 for pregnant women decreased significantly in the group of women aged 20-29 years, in the group of craftswomen and in the group of women with their first pregnancy. In contrary, the prevalence of HIV increased significantly for women with at least four past pregnancies and those writing in local language. Conclusion: The National AIDS control program may take these results into account by maintaining the epidemiological surveillance in HIV, and reinforce interventions for the vulnerable groups where the prevalence increased.

Adult female syphilis prevalence, congenital syphilis case incidence and adverse birth outcomes, Mongolia 2000-2016: Estimates using the Spectrum STI tool.

IntroductionMongolia's health ministry prioritizes control of Sexually Transmitted Infections, including syphilis screening and treatment in antenatal care (ANC).MethodsAdult syphilis prevalence trends were fitted using the Spectrum-STI estimation tool, using data from ANC surveys and routine screening over 1997–2016. Estimates were combined with programmatic data to estimate numbers of treated and untreated pregnant women with syphilis and associated incidence congenital syphilis (CS) and CS-attributable adverse birth outcomes (ABO), which we compared with CS case reports.ResultsSyphilis prevalence in pregnant women was estimated at 1.7% in 2000 and 3.0% in 2016. We estimated 652 CS cases, of which 410 ABO, in 2016. Far larger, annually increasing numbers of CS cases and ABO were estimated to have been prevented: 1654 cases, of which 789 ABO in 2016 − thanks to increasing coverages of ANC (99% in 2016), ANC-based screening (97% in 2016) and treatment of women diagnosed (81% in 2016). The 42 CS cases reported nationally over 2016 (liveborn infants only) represented 27% of liveborn infants with clinical CS, but only 7% of estimated CS cases among women found syphilis-infected in ANC, and 6% of all estimated CS cases including those born to women with undiagnosed syphilis.Discussion/ConclusionMongolia's ANC-based syphilis screening program is reducing CS, but maternal prevalence remains high. To eliminate CS (target: <50 cases per 100,000 live births), Mongolia should strengthen ANC services, limiting losses during referral for treatment, and under-diagnosis of CS including still-births and neonatal deaths, and expand syphilis screening and prevention programs.

Incidence and Prevalence of Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Thyroid Disorders and Eclampsia in Khammam Region, Telangana State

Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence and prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), Thyroid dysfunction and Eclampsia in pregnant women prior to delivery. Methods: An observational retrospective study was conducted between December 2016 and June 2017 in a District Headquarters Hospital and two other tertiary antenatal care centers on pregnant women who delivered between 37 and 42 weeks of gestational age. The study participants data was collected prior delivery who were diagnosed as GDM with Random Blood Sugar levels ≥ 140mg/dl, hyperthyroidism with ≤1.1 µIU/ml and hypothyroidism with ≥ 5.5 µIU/ml and Eclampsia in women who had a grand mal seizure with features of preeclampsia. Results: A total of 265 pregnant women was included whose information was sampled. A prevalence of 10.5% (n = 28) was identified with GDM, 77.7% (n = 206) was identified with Thyroid Disorders and 11.6% (n = 31) with Eclampsia who were categorized into rural and urban communities based on age groups. Conclusion: Ignorance regarding antenatal check-up, lack of transport and lack of early communication with a tertiary hospital play an important role for high incidence and prevalence of complications in pregnancy in Khammam region, Telangana State.

Outcome of Cesarean Myomectomy: Is it a Safe Procedure?

Objective Myomectomy performed during cesarean section is still controversial because of the potential for associated complications, especially with large myomas. Many obstetricians avoid performing cesarean myomectomy procedures because of the risk of uncontrollable hemorrhage. However, the prevalence of pregnant women with myomas is increasing, leading to an increase in the likelihood that physicians will encounter this issue. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes and complications of patients who either had or did not have cesarean myomectomy. Method A total of 361 patients were evaluated in this retrospective study. Patients who had cesarean section with myomectomy and patients had cesarean section without myomectomy were compared with regard to demographics, drop in hemoglobin levels, complications, blood transfusion rates and duration of operation. These parameters were also compared when the diameter of the myoma was larger than 5 cm. Values of p < 0.01 and p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results While maternal age and gravidity were similar in both groups (p > 0.05), the mean myoma diameter was smaller and the duration of operation was longer in the group who underwent cesarean myomectomy (p < 0.05). The reduction in hemoglobin level, rate of complications, and number of transfusions were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion This study shows that myomectomy during cesarean section does not increase complications or transfusion rates and appears to be a safe procedure.

Determinants of Anemia Among Pregnant Women Attending in a Tertiary Level Hospital, Kathmandu

Background: Anemia is a common problem in pregnancy, particularly in developing countries which causes low birth weight and increased risk of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was adopted to determine the factors associated with anemia among pregnant Systematic Random Sampling technique was used and sample size was 280 pregnant women who visited the antenatal clinic of the Tribhuwan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu. Data was collected by face to face interview technique by pretested questionnaire. Chi-square, bivariate, multivariate logistic regression model was used, and statistical significance was determined with a 95% confidence level.Results: Mean age of respondents was 25.86±4.191 years. Anemia among pregnant women was 22.1%.The significant determinants associated with anemia were pregnant women who had not taken iron regularly (AOR=18.380, 95% CI=3.687-91.624, p=0.005).Conclusion: The results indicate that anemia is still prevalence in pregnant women in tertiary level hospital at Kathmandu. Irregular intake or discontinuation of iron was significant factor for anemia. Therefore, pregnant women and their family members need counseling about the importance of regular intake of iron during pregnancy.Med Phoenix Vol.2(1) July 2017, 24-33

Malaria prevalence in pregnant women receiving antenatal care at the health centre of University of Uyo, Nigeria

Malaria prevalence in pregnant women receiving antenatal care at the health centre of University of Uyo, Nigeria

Analysis of HIV prevalence among pregnant women in Liangshan Prefecture, China, from 2009 to 2015.

BackgroundYi people make up about 50% of the population in Liangshan Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China, but accounted for 88.07% of new HIV cases in the prefecture from 2011 to 2013. This study evaluated HIV prevalence in pregnant women of Liangshan Prefecture using HIV sentinel surveillance (HSS) data over the period of 2009 to 2015.MethodsXichang, Zhaojue County, and Butuo County were selected as HSS sites. We investigated the temporal trends in HIV prevalence in these areas, and the association between demographic and behavioral characteristics and risk of HIV infection.ResultsData on a total of 2797 pregnant women in Xichang and 3983 pregnant women in Zhaojue and Butuo was collected for the period 2009 to 2015. There was a fluctuating HIV prevalence among pregnant women of Xichang, with a rate of 0.75% in 2015 (χ2trend = 2.27, P = 0.13). HIV prevalence among pregnant women of Zhaojue and Butuo was consistently high, varying between 3.4% (9/267, 2011) and 10.3% (82/796, 2012) over the period of 2010 to 2015 (χ2trend = 0.12, P = 0.73). In Xichang, we found that Yi ethnicity (OR = 11.37, 95% CI = 2.92–44.25) and a husband who used drugs (OR = 32.13, 95% CI = 5.33–193.67) were significantly associated with HIV risk in pregnant women. For Zhaojue and Butuo, we observed that pregnant women had a higher risk of HIV infection when they were over 30 years old (OR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.17–2.52), when they had a higher number of previous births, when their husbands had a history of migrating for work (OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.16–2.08), and when they had a history of other sexually transmitted infections (OR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.16–2.08). Compared to those with a primary school education or below, pregnant women with a secondary or high school education level had a lower risk of HIV infection (OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.09–0.89).ConclusionOur results indicate that there is a serious HIV epidemic among pregnant Yi women, especially for those with less education, more past births, or a husband with a history of out-migrating for work or STD infection.

Human papillomavirus infects placental trophoblast and Hofbauer cells, but appears not to play a causal role in miscarriage and preterm labor.

Recently, an association between human papillomavirus infection and both spontaneous abortion and spontaneous preterm delivery was suggested. However, the reported human papillomavirus prevalence in pregnant women varies considerably and reliable conclusions are difficult. We aimed to investigate human papillomavirus infection in placental tissue of a Danish study cohort. Furthermore, we studied the cellular localization of human papillomavirus. In this prospective case-control study, placental tissue was analyzed for human papillomavirus infection by nested PCR in the following four study groups: full-term delivery (n = 103), spontaneous preterm delivery (n = 69), elective abortion (n = 54), and spontaneous abortion (n = 44). Moreover, human papillomavirus cellular target was identified using in situ hybridization. Human papillomavirus prevalence in placental tissue was 8.7% in full-term deliveries, 8.8% in spontaneous preterm deliveries, 10.9% in spontaneous abortions, and 20.4% in elective abortions. Twelve different human papillomavirus types were detected, and placental human papillomavirus infection was associated to a disease history of cervical cancer. Human papillomavirus DNA was identified in trophoblast cells, cells of the placental villi mesenchyme including Hofbauer cells, and in parts of the encasing endometrium. Placental human papillomavirus infections are not likely to constitute a risk factor for spontaneous preterm labor or spontaneous abortions in the Danish population, although an effect of human papillomavirus DNA in placental cells cannot be excluded.

HUBUNGAN ASUPAN ZAT BESI DAN INHIBITORNYA SEBAGAI PREDIKTOR KADAR HEMOGLOBIN IBU HAMIL DI KABUPATEN MUARA ENIM

The prevalence of anemia in pregnant women is still high (69,7%). Low iron intake and high intake of iron inhibitors may have a role to the anemia prevalence in pregnant women. However, the contibution of iron inhibitors on anemia prevalence is still unknown. Objective : The study was conducted to investigate the relationship between intakes of iron inhibitors and hemoglobin level of pregnant women. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in Muara Enim regency. Subjects of this study were 244 pregnant women with 20-28th weeks of gestation. Iron and iron-inhibitor intake were collected by trained interviewers using food frequency questionnaires. Socioeconomic data were also collected using structured questionnaires. Hemoglobin concentration of pregnant women was measured by using cyamet henoglobin method at the start of the study. Data analysis was done using STATA sofware. Result: About thirty seven present (37,29%) of pregnant women in this population were anemic. In multiple linear regression models, intake of iron, calcium and tannin were significantly associated with hemoglobin concentration ( p&lt; 0,05). Every 1 mg of iron intake was associated with 0,052 gr/dl increase in Hemoglobin concentration. On the other hand, every 1 mg of calcium intake and every 1 gr of tannin intake were associated with 0,00687 gr/dl and 0,123 gr/dl decrease in hemoglobin concentration. Pregnant women with a high iron intake have a higher hemoglobin concentration. In contrast, pregnant women with a high intake of tannin and calcium have a lower hemoglobin concentration.

Group B Streptococcal Colonization Among Pregnant Women in Delhi, India.

Little is known regarding maternal group B streptococcal (GBS) colonization prevalence and capsular (CPS) serotype distribution among pregnant women in India. The objective of this prospective cohort study was to determine GBS recto-vaginal colonization prevalence in pregnant women at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi, India. Literature review identified reports from India assessing GBS colonization prevalence in pregnant women. Rectal and vaginal swabs were inoculated into Strep B Carrot Broth (Hardy Diagnostics, Santa Maria, CA) and subcultured onto GBS Detect plates (Hardy Diagnostics, Santa Maria, CA). Isolates were serotyped using ImmuLex Strep-B latex kits (Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark). Thirteen studies were identified citing GBS colonization prevalence during pregnancy as 0.47%-16%. Among 300 pregnant women (mean age: 26.9 years; mean gestation: 34 weeks) enrolled (August 2015 to April 2016), GBS colonization prevalence was 15%. Fifteen percent of women had vaginal only, 29% had rectal only and 56% had both sites colonized. CPS types were Ia (13.3%), Ib (4.4%), II (20%), III (22.2%), V (20%) and VII (6.7%); 13.3% were nontypable. Fetal loss in a prior pregnancy at ≥20-weeks gestation was more common in colonized than noncolonized women (15.6% vs. 3.5%; P = 0.004). Employing recent census data for the birth cohort and estimating that 1%-2% of neonates born to colonized women develop early-onset disease, at least 39,000 cases of early-onset disease may occur yearly in India. Using optimal methods, 15% of third trimester pregnant women in India are GBS colonized. A multivalent vaccine containing 6 CPS types (Ia, Ib, II, III, V and VII) would encompass ~87% of GBS carried by pregnant women in India.

Worldwide prevalence of tocophobia in pregnant women: systematic review and meta‐analysis

Tocophobia is defined as a severe fear of pregnancy and childbirth. There is increasing evidence that tocophobia may have short-term and long-term adverse effects on mother and baby. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the global prevalence of tocophobia in pregnancy. Relevant articles were identified through searching six relevant databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Pubmed, PsycINFO, Maternity & Infant Care and Scopus between 1946 and April 2016. We used search terms for tocophobia prevalence in pregnant women that we agreed on with a medical librarian. There were no language restrictions. Two review authors independently assessed data for inclusion, extracted data and assessed quality using a standardized appraisal tool. Meta-analysis was performed to determine the overall pooled-prevalence of tocophobia. Several subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted. Thirty-three studies were included in the systematic review from 18 countries of which data from 29 studies were used in the meta-analysis of 853 988 pregnant women. Definition of tocophobia varied, whereas prevalence rates ranged between 3.7 and 43%. The overall pooled prevalence of tocophobia, using a random-effects model, was 14% (95% CI 0.12-0.16). Significant heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 99.25%, p = 0.00), which was not explained in subgroup analyses including tocophobia definition used, screening trimester and parity. The prevalence of tocophobia is estimated at 14% and appears to have increased in recent years (2000 onwards). Considerable heterogeneity (99.25%) was noted that may be attributed to lack of consensus on the definition of tocophobia, so our results should be interpreted with caution.

FAKTOR RISIKO TRANSMISI VIRUS HIV PADA IBU HAMIL DI PAPUA

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has been transmitted all over the world and attack people including pregnant women and their fetus. HIV-AIDS has become the main cause of maternal death. The transmission is started from Africa to Indonesia, specifically to Papua Island. In Papua, HIV is a serious threat for pregnant women’s life because of its fast transmission, even faster from other regions in Indonesia. Until present, there has no research about HIV transmission on pregnant women in Papua Island.Objective: To conduct analysis on risk factors related to HIV transmission on pregnant women in Papua Island.Method: Cross sectional continued with retrospective cohort. Data was taken from medical record of all patients delivering in eight state-owned hospitals in Papua and West Papua provinces started from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2013. Inclusion criteria were all pregnant women who delivered vaginally or by caesarean sections with HIV and non HIV diagnosis and had complete medical record data. Data being taken included mother’s age when delivered the baby, mother’s education, parents’ social economic status, mother’s ethnicity, parents’ domicile, prematurity and infant’s birth weight. The two research groups were HIV (+) and HIV (-) groups. Data were statistically analyzed using Pearson Chi Square for univarian and logistic regression for multivarian.Result and Discussion: In Papua island, prevalence of pregnant women with HIV was 15.3%, and mostly occurred in reproductive age ( 85.1%). The main transmission source was heterosexual (100%). Univarian analysis found that mothers’s age &lt;20 years old when delivered the baby increase 1.12 times compared to &gt; 20 years old but it’s statistically insignificant (p=0.53). Mothers education &lt; 9 years increases the risk of HIV 1.4 times compared to mother’s education &gt; 9 years (p=0.01). The husband’s low socioeconomic status increase the risk of 5.51 times compared with husband’s high socioeconomic status (p&lt;0.01). The wife’s low socioeconomic status increase the risk of 1.22 times, in which statistically insignificant (p=0.14). Native Papuanese pregnant women has significantly 3.05 times higher risk for HIV transmission compared to non Papuanese (p&lt;0.01). Pregnant women’s domicile in villages increase the transmission significantly 2.21 times compared to cities’ domiciles (p&lt;0.00). Premature delivery increased HIV transmission by 1.7 times (p&lt;0.01). Low infant body weight increased the transmission by 1.64 times significantly (p&lt;0.01). Multivarian analysis showed that husband’s low socioeconomic status, Papuanese ethnicity and domicile in villages are the most dominant factors influencing HIV transmission on pregnant women in Papua Island.Conclusion: Varied risk factors on HIV transmission resulted in the occurrence of HIV (+) cases in Papua Island, while the most dominant factors are husband with low socioeconomic status, Papua ethnicity and domicile in villages. Keywords: HIV, risk factors, birthing mothers, Papua Island.

Does nonlocal women's attendance at antenatal clinics distort HIV prevalence surveillance estimates in pregnant women in Zimbabwe?

ObjectiveThe objective was to assess whether HIV prevalence measured among women attending antenatal clinics (ANCs) are representative of prevalence in the local area, or whether estimates may be biased by some women’s choice to attend ANCs away from their residential location. We tested the hypothesis that HIV prevalence in towns and periurban areas is underestimated in ANC sentinel surveillance data in Zimbabwe.MethodsNational unlinked anonymous HIV surveillance was conducted at 19 ANCs in Zimbabwe in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2009, and 2012. This data was used to compare HIV prevalence and nonlocal attendance levels at ANCs at city, town, periurban, and rural clinics in aggregate and also for individual ANCs.ResultsIn 2000, HIV prevalence at town ANCs (36.6%, 95% CI 34.4–38.9%) slightly underestimated prevalence among urban women attending these clinics (40.7%, 95% CI 37.6–43.9%). However, there was no distortion in HIV prevalence at either the aggregate clinic location or at individual clinics in more recent surveillance rounds. HIV prevalence was consistently higher in towns and periurban areas than in rural areas. Nonlocal attendance was high at town (26–39%) and periurban (53–95%) ANCs but low at city clinics (<10%). However, rural women attending ANCs in towns and periurban areas had higher HIV prevalence than rural women attending rural clinics, and were younger, more likely to be single, and less likely to be housewives.ConclusionsIn Zimbabwe, HIV prevalence among ANC attendees provides reliable estimates of HIV prevalence in pregnant women in the local area.

Risk factors associated with HIV prevalence in pregnant women in Burkina Faso, from 2006 to 2014

Purpose of the study: To determine the socio-demographic factors influencing the dynamics of HIV prevalence among pregnant women in Burkina Faso.Material and methods: A total of 66,597 pregnant women from the 13 health regions of Burkina Faso were included in this study conducted between 2006 and 2014. Venous blood samples were collected and analyzed for the detection of HIV antibodies according to WHO / UNAIDS strategy II, using the mixed test Vironostika HIV Uniform II Plus O (Bio-Mérieux) and the test discriminating ImmunoCombII HIV-1 &amp; 2 BiSpot (Orgenics). Samples with discordant results between the two tests, as well as those positive to HIV-2 or HIV-1 + 2, were retested with HIV BLOT 2.2 (MP Diagnostics). Sociodemographic data collected from the participants were correlated with their HIV status to determine key risk factors influencing HIV infection prevalence in Burkina Faso.Results: Sociodemographic data showed that the study population consisted mainly of married women (91.2%) at their first pregnancy (27.1%) with a large majority of them being housewives (86.2%) who did not attend any form of schooling (69.4%). About 88.4% had stayed longer than a year in the health region where they initially participated in the study and 55.8% were between 20 and 29 years of age. Overall HIV prevalence significantly dropped from 2.7 % in 2006 to 1.3% in 2014. However HIV seroprevalence in this study has varied significantly according to socio-demographic characteristics including marital status, parity, occupation, education, age group and the length of stay in the women's health community (p &lt;0.0001). Factors sustaining HIV transmission included the status of being unmarried (OR=1.67 [1.42-1.97]), primigest (OR=1.64 [1.41-1.89]), having other occupations except being student (OR = 1.68 [1.20-2.33]), aged between 20-49 years (OR=3.14 [2.51-3.93]) and the duration of stay less than a year in their locality (OR=5.33 [4.61-10.16]) and these factors were identified as main risk factors associated with HIV prevalence.Conclusion: Burkina Faso remains among the countries with concentrated epidemics despite a significant reduction in the prevalence observed in this study. The inclusion of identified risk factors in the national HIV program could improve the quality of the response to the epidemic.Keywords: HIV-Pregnant Women-Risk Factors-Burkina Faso