Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinic Research Articles

Knowledge of Obstetric Danger Signs and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinics in Jigjiga Public Health Institution, Somali, Ethiopia

<i>Background</i>: Pregnancy is a normal process that results in a series physiological and psychosocial changes that can be accompanied by some danger signs and complications which are potentially life threatening to the mother and/or foetus. Although, childbirth is positive expectation for most of the women, it can be problematic for others. Knowledge of obstetric danger sign is essential first step in accepting and for motivating women to seek health care service with appropriate and timely referral to comprehensive obstetric and new-born care. <i>Objective</i>: This study was aimed to assess knowledge of obstetric danger signs and associated factors among pregnant women attending ANC clinic in Jigjiga public health institution, Somali, Ethiopia, 2019. <i>Method</i>: Institutional based cross-sectional study design was conducted in Jigjiga Public Health institution from April 15 to 31, 2019. A Systematic random sampling technique was used to select a total of 399 study participants using single population proportion. Data was collected using a pre-tested and well-structured questionnaire. Data was coded, entered and cleaned in Epi-Data version 6.04 and then exported into SPSS statistical software version 20 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to determine sociodemographic, obstetric characteristic, health & health related variables and knowledge of obstetric danger sign while bivariate & multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with knowledge of obstetric danger signs. <i>Result</i>: Out of 399 Respondents, 164 (41.1%) were knowledgeable regarding all type of obstetric danger sign during Pregnancy, Childbirth and Postpartum; The most frequently key obstetric danger signs identified by participants were sever vaginal bleeding during the pregnancy 64.2%, childbirth 57.4% and postpartum 50.4%; Formal education [AOR: 2.297, 95% CI (1.274, 4.143)]; Antenatal care service visit [AOR: 4.226; 95%CI (2.256, 7.918)]; PNC utilization visit [AOR=5.256, 95% CI (2.879, 9.595)]; history of obstetric complication [AOR: 4.273; 95% CI (2.042, 8.944)] and other related factors like Maternal Occupation, home visit, Mass media access and husbands a companion during health facility visit were statistically significance associated with being knowledgeable about obstetric danger signs. <i>Conclusion and Recommendation</i>: A significant proportion of pregnant women were not knowledgeable about obstetric danger signs at all categories which may result lack of delay in seeking health care service. Increasing level of awareness, health education, home to home visit and support women’s health seeking behaviour and encouraging husband to support women’s during health care visit may help women to recognize obstetric danger sign and seek health care services.

Prevalence of Syphilis among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinic, Sede Muja District, South Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia.

Background Syphilis is a disease caused by bacteria called Treponema pallidum. Major rout of transmission of this bacterium was through sexual and contact with mucocutaneous lesion. Untreated syphilis during pregnancy can greatly affect pregnancy outcome, resulting in spontaneous abortion and stillbirth. Objective The objective of the study was to determine the seroprevalence of syphilis and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care unit at Sede Muja district, Northern Ethiopia. Methods and Materials Facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2018 to January 2019 in two health centers from Sede Muja district, Northwest Ethiopia. The study included a total of 210 participants. The entire participants were recruited by systematic random sampling method after proportional allocation of the sample size in the two health centers. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected by semistructured questioner. Two milliliter of blood was collected to determine seroprevalence of syphilis using VDRL test method. The data was analyzed by using SPSS version 21. The association between independent and dependent variables was determined using chi-square. P-value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Result Seroprevalence of syphilis was found to be 1.9% (95 CI, 0.5-3.5%). Women with multiple sexual partners and late trimester of pregnancy during first ANC visit were found to be significantly associated with seropositive syphilis. Conclusion Syphilis remains a major problem in the study area. Seroprevalence of syphilis was significantly associated with women who have multiple sexual partners and late first ANC visit attendees in the study area. Therefore it is recommended to give health education about syphilis etiology and transmission as well as creating awareness about the importance of early ANC visit and follow-up regarding syphilis prevention.

Health Services Related Factors Influencing Utilization of Antenatal Care (ANC) Services among Expectant Women in Turkana County, Kenya

Antenatal Care (ANC) is a strategic intervention for promoting safe motherhood and reducing maternal mortality and morbidity. A woman dies every minute due to pregnancy-related complications whereas developing countries account for 99% of the global maternal deaths. Low utilization of antenatal care services remains a key indicator of maternal mortality and morbidity in some parts of Kenya like Turkana County where the geographical terrain is complex as well other social and cultural implications that pose significant risks to pregnant women. The purpose of the study was to assess health service-related factors influencing the utilization antenatal care (ANC) services among expectant women in Turkana County, Kenya. The study was carried out in Lodwar County Referral Hospital (LCRH) among pregnant women attending ANC clinic at LCRH and nurses working in the Maternal and Child Health department. Structured questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data involving 297 women and selected using simple random sampling while qualitative data involving 3 nurses working in maternal and child health department was selected purposively and collected using in-depth interviews. Majority of the respondents (48%) were aged 25-35 years, were married (73%), Christians (83%), and had primary education (51%). Quality of services was significantly associated with the utilization of antenatal care services (χ2=12.950; df=6; p=0.044*). There was no significant association between ANC utilization and the means of transport to seek ANC services (χ2=3.411; df=4; p=0.179) and where ANC services are accessed (χ2=1.590; df=4; p=0.452).Women’s attitude towards the ANC services and good communication between the health staff and clients also influence women to seek antenatal services. The study recommends the need to train health workers providing antenatal care services not only on clinical skills but also on client-provider interaction in order to ensure quality and professional delivery of ANC services.

Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus and HIV Infection Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinic in Western Ethiopia.

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV infection remain a major public health challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa. The HCV and HIV infection among pregnant women have a serious outcome on maternal and newborn health. There is limited information in this regards in West part of Ethiopia. This study aims to identify the sero- prevalence and predictor factors of HCV and HIV infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) in Western Ethiopia.Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September, 2014 among 421 pregnant women's attending ANC services in purposively selected health facilities of western Ethiopia. The HCV and HIV infections were diagnosed by detection antibodies from aseptically collected serum sample. HCV was identified using an enzyme linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) while HIV infection was tested with rapid HIV tests following the national HIV test algorithm. The pretested and structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data, and potential predictor factors of HCV and HIV infection. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 statistical software.Result: The overall sero-prevalence of HCV and HIV among the study population was 8.1% and 1.0%, respectively. The prevalence of HCV/HIV co-infection was 0.23% (1/421). Among HIV infected women, the prevalence of HCV infection was 25% (1/4). The risk of HCV infection was significantly low for urban residents (AOR = 0.38, 95%CI: 0.16-0.90) and illiterate (AOR = 0.24, 95%CI: 0.06-0.85). However, the history of blood transfusion was significantly increases the risk of HIV infection (AOR = 19.52, 95%CI: 1.80-150.6).Conclusion: Our study confirms public health importance of HCV and HIV infections among pregnant women in the study area. The study suggests need of attention for rural residents and educated segment of the population for HCV prevention, and national blood blank to check HIV test method used for blood transfusion.

Status of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) Services Utilization and Factors Affecting PMTCT Service Uptake by Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinic in Selected Health Facilities of Afar Regional State, Ethiopia

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) is the predominant way for children to acquire human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection worldwide including Ethiopia. Thus, objective of this study was to determine the status of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services utilization and factors affecting PMTCT utilization in health facilities of Afar region, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2014 to April 2015 taking 347 pregnant women and 22 health care providers. Data were collected using a questioner prepared separately for pregnant women and health care providers involved in PMTCT service delivery. Data were analyzed using SPSS considering P value <0.05 statistical significant. The study indicated that the PMTCT service utilization was 67.7%. The study also showed that there is statistically significant association in using PMTCT service with women education level, monthly income, and residence around PMTCT site. Though not statistically significant, excess waiting time, limited physical access to PMTCT sites, and transportation problem were identified as barriers for PMTCT service utilization by pregnant women. Though knowledge of mothers on MTCT of HIV and PMTCT service utilization in agropostural community of Afar region was promising, there were also different barriers identified hindering PMTCT utilization. Thus, we recommend “Wored” and zonal health office to create awareness on significance of PMTCT service in the community, enhance accessibility of PMTCT sites, provide up-to-date trainings for health care providers, and ensure constant supply for PMTCT service.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Outcome of Pregnancy among Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinic in North Western Nigeria

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Outcome of Pregnancy among Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinic in North Western Nigeria

Sero-Prevalence of Syphilis and HIV and Associated Factors in Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinics in Debre Berhan Public Health Institutions, Ethiopia

Syphilis is one of the sexually transmitted infections caused by bacteria known as Treponema pallidum and it is transmitted through sexual contact, via blood transfusion, or transplacentally from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Among STIs, syphilis and HIV are significant public health problems in Ethiopia and causes several adverse pregnancy outcomes. Thus this study aims to assess magnitude of both infections among pregnant women attending antenatal care. Facility based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in Debre Berhan public health institutions and data was collected using pretested checklist. Finally data was entered to EPI Data3.02 and analyzed using SPSS version21. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant difference. Among the total participants, 179 (47%) were in the age group of 25-34 years, 220 (57%) were living in urban settings and majority 256 (67%) of the pregnant mothers were married. The overall prevalence of syphilis and HIV in pregnant mothers were 7 (1.8%) and 28 (7.2%) respectively. The highest number of syphilis and HIV prevalence were reported in 2015. Previous history of STD for syphilis (AOR 9.4; 95% CI 1.6-25) and HIV (AOR 8.2; 95% CI 2.2-31.8), previous history of still birth for syphilis (AOR 4.9; 95% CI 1.1-23.4) and HIV (AOR 5.6; 95% CI 1.8-17.1) and partner HIV test positive for HIV (AOR 11.9; 95%CI 1.18-20.6) are risk factor. The result shows syphilis and HIV infections were prevalent among pregnant women, indicating that they are still significant public health problems. Therefore, there should be health education for every pregnant woman regarding prevention of the two infection and partner testing is recommended.

Prevalence and associated factors of herbal medicine use among pregnant women on antenatal care follow-up at University of Gondar referral and teaching hospital, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundImproving maternal and child health is one of the public health priorities in several African countries including Ethiopia. However, research on herbal medicine use during pregnancy is scarce in Ethiopia. The present study aimed at assessing the prevalence and correlates of herbal medicine use among pregnant women on antenatal care (ANC) follow-up at Gondar university referral hospital, EthiopiaMethodsAn institutional-based cross sectional study was conducted on 364 pregnant women attending ANC clinic from March to May 2016 at University of Gondar referral and teaching hospital, northwest Ethiopia. Data on socio-demography, pregnancy related information as well as herbal medicine use was collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to determine prevalence and associated factors of herbal medicine use.ResultsFrom 364 respondents, 48.6% used herbal medicine during current pregnancy. ginger (40.7%) and garlic (19%) were the two most commonly used herbs in pregnancy. Common cold (66%) and inflammation (31.6%) were the most common reasons for herbal use. Majority of herbal medicine users (89.8%) had not consulted their doctors about their herbal medicine use. Rural residency (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 3.15, Confidence interval (CI): 1.17–6.14), illiteracy (AOR: 4.05, CI: 2.47–6.62) and average monthly income less than 100 USD (AOR: 3.08CI: 1.221–7.77) were found to be strong predictors of herbal medicine use.ConclusionsThe use of herbal medicine during pregnancy is a common practice and associated with residency, level of education and average monthly income. From the stand point of high prevalence and low disclosure rate, the health care providers should often consult pregnant women regarding herbal medicine use.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinic at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinic at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda

Hepatitis B Virus Infections and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinic at Deder Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia.

BackgroundHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious public health problem worldwide. Reports have shown that 68,600 people die of HBV infection and more than 300,000 deaths due to liver cancer secondary to hepatitis B every year globally. Women who are infected with HBV can vertically transmit the infection to their infants. This study aims to determine the prevalence of HBV infection and associated factors among pregnant women.Methods and FindingsA hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women who attended antenatal care clinic (ANC) for routine pregnancy check-up between 18 March 2015 and 15 May 2015. Data were collected by face to face interview using a pre-tested questionnaire. Serum was withdrawn for each study subject and used to test for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test kit. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between explanatory variables and outcome variable. The prevalence of HBV infection was found to be 6.9%. Interestingly, the history of abortion (AOR 10.9; 95% CI: 2.2–53.9), nose piercing (AOR 9.1; 95% CI: 1.34–61.79), surgical procedure (AOR 12.8; 95% CI: 1.68–97.06) and history of multiple sexual partners (AOR 16.8; 95% CI: 3.18–89.06) were significant predictors of HBV infection.ConclusionsThis study determined that the prevalence of HBV infection among pregnant women was 6.9%, implying that it is high-intermediate endemic area, which is important public health issue needs to be addressed. History of abortion, nose piercing, surgical procedures and multiple sexual partners were significantly associated with this viral infection. Accordingly we advocate that health education programs on the mode of HBV transmission, high-risk behaviors and methods of preventions should be instituted at antenatal care clinics to raise the awareness of mothers and limit the spread of infection. It is also advisable to implement nosocomial infection prevention strategies to prevent the transmissions of HBV through health care related activities such as surgical procedures. Furthermore, all pregnant women should be screened for HBV, treated if necessary to reduce their viral loads and their children vaccinated at birth with the single-dose hepatitis B vaccine to break the cycle of mother-to-child transmission.

Trend of HIV Prevalence in Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinic at Faith Alive Foundation and Hospital, Jos, Plateau State

<i>Objective: </i>HIV prevalence data from pregnant women who attended Antenatal Care Clinic over a five year period were used in the Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV programmes and remain useful for Prevention, Care, Treatment and Support of pregnant women and ensuring that the goal of zero transmission is met. It also helped policy makers to take appropriate action in HIV/AIDS programmes. <i>Methodology: </i>A descriptive study of pregnant women presenting for the first time at the antenatal clinic of Faith Alive Foundation and Hospital, Jos from 1^st January 2010 to 31^st December 2014 was carried out. Information regarding age, gestational age at booking, parity and HIV sero status of the clients were analyzed. Screening test was carried out in a serial two step approach using determine and UNIGOLD as the confirmatory test while stat pack was the tie-breaker with discordant result. Positive samples were confirmed by western blot method. <i>Result: </i>A total of 1720 pregnant women were registered in the antenatal unit of Faith Alive Foundation and Hospital, Jos from 1st January 2010 to 31^st December 2014. 120 were sero positive. The overall HIV prevalence rate was 6.9%. High prevalence rate were observed in those aged 20-39 years. There was a decline in HIV prevalence from 10.7% in 2010 to 6.8% in 2013 and 5.8% in 2014. Majority of the sero positive women booked early in pregnancy, within the 1^st and 2^nd trimesters from 77.8% in 2010 to 80% in 2014. <i>Conclusion: </i>A decline in HIV prevalence was observed during the five year period. The study also revealed that significant number of HIV positive antenatal women registered for antenatal care early. The overall HIV sero prevalence is still high. There is need to astronomically scale up our intervention approach against HIV infection.

Health profile of pregnant women attending urban health centre in Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Background: Maternal and child mortality is the outcome of multiple factors. Current maternal mortality in India is 254 per 100,000 live births. Improving the maternal and child health is an important public health goal of government of India. To prevent unwanted outcome of pregnancy, antenatal care (ANC) is most important method for early detection and prompt treatment of complications . Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among pregnant women attending ANC clinic at urban health centre during September 2015 to November 2015. A pre tested semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was collected from 102 pregnant women attained ANC clinic during study period. The data was compiled and analyzed using appropriate statistical tools. Results: In present study majority (46%) of pregnant ladies belong to 20-25 years of age group and 26% had consanguinous marriage. In our study gravida 3, gravida 4 and gravid 5 were 29%, 12% and 5% respectively. 52 % of pregnant ladies had 3 ANC visit, almost 62% of pregnant ladies had done haemoglobin examination and 57% blood grouping testing. Pregnancy outcome were live birth in 82.66 % and abortion in 16.69%. 41% were previous LSCS and 9% were home delivery. In this study we found that high risk pregnancy were 59.8% and main reason of being high risk were previous LSCS (52%), anaemia (40%). Conclusions: High quality antenatal care as well as knowledge and practice of community regarding maternal care during pregnancy are important to unwanted outcome of pregnancy.

Effects of introducing routinely ultrasound scanning during Ante Natal Care (ANC) clinics on number of visits of ANC and facility delivery: a cohort study.

BackgroundMany countries have integrated antenatal care as an essential part of routine maternal health services. The importance of this service cannot be overemphasized as many women’s lives are usually saved particularly through early detection of pregnancy related complications. However, while many women would attend at least one visit for ante natal care (ANC), completion of recommended number of visits (4+) has been a challenge of many health systems particularly in developing countries like Tanzania.MethodsWe conducted a cohort study to include ultrasound scanning using a portable hand-held Vscan to test whether by integrating it in routine ANC clinics at dispensary and health centre levels would promote number of ANC visits by women.Health providers rendering ANC services in selected facilities were trained on how to use the simple technology of ultrasound scanning. Women living in catchment areas of the respective selected facilities were eligible to inclusion to the study when consented. A baseline status of the ANC attendance in the study area was established through baseline household and facility surveys. A total of 257 women consented and received the study treatment.ResultsOur results showed that, there was no a slight change between baseline (97.2 %) and endline (97.4 %) results among women attending ANC clinics at least once. However, there was a significant change in percentage of women attending ANC clinic four times or more (27.2 % during baseline and 60.3 %; p = 0001).ConclusionsWe conclude that, introduction of the simplified ultrasound scanning technology at lowest levels of care has an effect to improving ANC attendance in terms of number of visits and motivate facility delivery.

Prevalence And Antibiotics Susceptibility Pattern Of Common Bacterial Uropathogens Isolated From Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinic At St. Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College And Selam Health Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Prevalence And Antibiotics Susceptibility Pattern Of Common Bacterial Uropathogens Isolated From Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinic At St. Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College And Selam Health Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Anemia and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinic in Wolayita Sodo Town, Southern Ethiopia.

Anemia during pregnancy is a common problem which affects both the mother's and her child's health. The main aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of anemia among pregnant women. We conducted a facility based cross-sectional study on 363 pregnant women attending antenatal care clinic in Wolayita Soddo Otona Hospital from January to March 2014. Sociodemographic data were collected through questionnaire based interview. Four milliliter of venous blood and five grams of fecal samples were collected from each pregnant woman. Hematological parameters were determined using CELL DYN 1800(®) (Abott, USA) Hematology analyzer. Stool samples were checked for intestinal parasites using both direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Overall, the prevalence of anemia was 39.94% (95% CI: 34.7 - 45.2%), of which the majority (60%) had moderate anemia. The mean hemoglobin concentration was 11.55±2.97 g/dl. Age 15-24 years (AOR: 9.89, 95%CI:2.68-21.41), family size >5 (AOR:7.74, 95%CI:4.15-16.47), multigravida (AOR:2.66, 95%CI:1.1.31-4.53), having low income (AOR:5.81, 95%CI:2.93-14.11), current clinical illness (AOR: 6.38, 95%CI:3.13-13.00), intestinal parasitic infection (AOR:2.41, 95%CI:1.08-5.81), no history of contraceptive usage (AOR:5.02 95%CI:2.21-11.47), being in third trimesters (AOR:11.37, 95%CI:4.56-24.82), history of excess menstrual bleeding (AOR:9.82, 95%CI:3.27-21.35) and low body mass index (AOR:9.44, 95%CI:7.79-22.18) were identified as independent predictors of anemia among pregnant women. Anemia prevalence was found out to be moderate public health importance. Identified risk factors should be considered for prevention and control of anemia among pregnant women.

Previous early antenatal service utilization improves timely booking: cross-sectional study at university of Gondar hospital, northwest Ethiopia.

Background. Early booking of antenatal care (ANC) is regarded as a cornerstone of maternal and neonatal health care. However, existing evidence from developing countries indicate that lots of pregnant woman begin ANC booking lately. Objective. It was aimed to assess timing of ANC booking and associated factors among pregnant women attending ANC clinic at University of Gondar Hospital, 2013. Methods. An institution based cross-sectional study design was used to collect data with a face-to-face interview technique. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was used to identify associated factors for early ANC visit using SPSS version 20. Results. From total women (N = 369) interviewed, 47.4% were timely booked. Mothers with younger age (AOR = 3.83, 95% CI: 1.89, 10.53), formal education (AOR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.03, −7.61), previous early ANC visit (AOR = 2.39, 95% CI: 2.23, 9.86), and perceived ANC visit per pregnancy of four and greater were significantly associated with early ANC visit. Conclusions. Although late booking is a problem in this study, previous early utilization of ANC visit favors current timely booking. This indicates that the importance of early booking was appropriately addressed from previous visits. Counseling of timely booking during ANC visit should be strengthened. Moreover, empowering through education is also recommended.

Reducing uncertainties in global HIV prevalence estimates: the case of Zambia

BackgroundThe premise for using antenatal care (ANC) clinic data for estimating HIV prevalence in the general population is the finding from community studies in sub-Saharan Africa that total HIV prevalence in pregnant women attending ANC clinics closely approximate levels in the total general population of both women and men aged 15–49 years. In this study, the validity of national level HIV prevalence estimates for the total general population 15–49 years made from ANC clinic and population survey data was assessed.MethodsIn 2001–2002, a national population HIV prevalence survey for women 15–49 years and men 15–59 years was conducted in Zambia. In the same period, a national HIV sentinel surveillance survey among pregnant women attending ANC clinics was carried out.ResultsThe ANC HIV prevalence estimates for age-group 15–49 years (rural: 11.5%; 95% CI, 11.2–11.8; urban: 25.4%; 95% CI, 24.8–26.0; adjusted national: 16.9%; 95% CI, 16.6–17.2) were similar to the population survey estimates (rural: 10.8%; 95% CI, 9.6–12.1; urban: 23.2%; 95% CI 20.7–25.6; national: 15.6%; 95% CI, 14.4–16.9). The HIV prevalence urban to rural ratio was 2.2 in ANC and 2.1 in population survey estimates.ConclusionThe HIV prevalence estimate for the total general population 15–49 years derived from testing both women and men in the population survey was similar to the estimate derived from testing women attending ANC clinics. It shows that national HIV prevalence estimates for adults aged 15–49 years can also be obtained from ANC HIV sentinel surveillance surveys with good coverage when ANC attendance and fertility are high.

Decline in prevalence of HIV-1 infection and syphilis among young women attending antenatal care clinics in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: results from sentinel surveillance, 1995-2001.

From 1995 to 2001, five rounds of sentinel surveillance were carried out for young women attending antenatal care clinics at four health centers in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, to monitor trends in the prevalence of HIV infection and syphilis. Serum samples were tested for antibodies to HIV (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting) and antibodies to Treponema pallidum (T. pallidum hemagglutination assay and rapid plasma reagin test). Prevalence ratios for an increase in one calendar year were estimated using log-binomial models. Between 1995 and 2001, the prevalence of HIV infection among young women (age range, 15-24 years) attending antenatal care clinics in inner city health centers declined from 24.2% to 15.1% (prevalence ratio for an increase in one calendar year, 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.87-0.95). No change was observed for older age groups or in outer city health centers. The decline in the prevalence of active syphilis (T. pallidum hemagglutination assay and rapid plasma reagin testing positive for antibodies to T. pallidum) was more pronounced among and also restricted to the young age groups (age range, 15-24 years) in the inner city (from 7.6% in 1995 to 1.3% in 2001; prevalence ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.59-0.80). The declining trends in the prevalence of HIV infection and syphilis among young women attending antenatal care clinics in the inner city are encouraging, but these findings require confirmation in future years and for other population groups.

Decline in Prevalence of HIV-1 Infection and Syphilis Among Young Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinics in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Results From Sentinel Surveillance, 1995–2001

From 1995 to 2001, five rounds of sentinel surveillance were carried out for young women attending antenatal care clinics at four health centers in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, to monitor trends in the prevalence of HIV infection and syphilis. Serum samples were tested for antibodies to HIV (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting) and antibodies to Treponema pallidum (T. pallidum hemagglutination assay and rapid plasma reagin test). Prevalence ratios for an increase in one calendar year were estimated using log-binomial models. Between 1995 and 2001, the prevalence of HIV infection among young women (age range, 15-24 years) attending antenatal care clinics in inner city health centers declined from 24.2% to 15.1% (prevalence ratio for an increase in one calendar year, 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.87-0.95). No change was observed for older age groups or in outer city health centers. The decline in the prevalence of active syphilis (T. pallidum hemagglutination assay and rapid plasma reagin testing positive for antibodies to T. pallidum) was more pronounced among and also restricted to the young age groups (age range, 15-24 years) in the inner city (from 7.6% in 1995 to 1.3% in 2001; prevalence ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.59-0.80). The declining trends in the prevalence of HIV infection and syphilis among young women attending antenatal care clinics in the inner city are encouraging, but these findings require confirmation in future years and for other population groups.