Women Attending Antenatal Clinic Research Articles

Maintaining Normal Serum Ferritin Levels During Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Daily versus Weekly Ferrous Sulfate

Background: Serum ferritin is the most reliable indication of stored iron in pregnancy, offering a noninvasive way to detect iron deficiency anemia before it occurs. Therefore, this study aimed to determine serum ferritin levels among women receiving daily versus weekly iron supplementation, with a secondary focus on comparing the proportion developing iron deficiency anemia and compli-ance rates between the two groups.Methods: This non-blinded randomized control trial involved non-anaemic pregnant women attend-ing antenatal clinics at two Teaching Hospitals in Osun State. One hundred twenty-five subjects were recruited to receive 65mg in the control group, while another 125 subjects in the active group re-ceived three tablets (195mg) of ferrous sulfate (Fesulf) once weekly for 17 weeks from the 20th to 37th weeks of gestation. The primary outcome measure was comparing mean serum ferritin levels in both groups at 37 weeks.Results: Among the 240 subjects analyzed, the 37-week serum ferritin level was higher in the daily group (73.26±26.67μg/L) compared to the weekly group (63.04±30.71 μg/L), p value=0.006. Four (3.36%) and 10 (8.26%) of our subjects had Iron deficiency anaemia. Nine subjects (3.75%) reported dyspepsia as a side effect. Daily 65 mg of Felsulf proved more effective than weekly 195mg in main-taining normal blood ferritin levels during pregnancy.Conclusions: Daily iron supplementation with 65mg ferrous sulfate was more effective at main-taining adequate maternal iron concentration in this group of non-anaemic pregnant women. This dosage is recommended for routine iron supplementation in our environment.

Prevalence of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension in Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Maharashtra

Background- Blood pressure (BP) ≥140/90 mmHg, taken after a period of rest, on two occasions or ≥160/110 mmHg on one occasion in a previously normotensive woman is labeled as pregnancy-induced hypertension. [1,2] Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is a pregnancy-specific condition that includes gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia (PE), and eclampsia (E). It is linked to intrauterine death, abruptio placentae, maternal mortality, and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) [3, 4]. Aim - to find the prevalence of pregnancy induced hypertension in women attending antenatal clinic in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and methods- Total 200 pregnant women with a gestational age of 20 weeks or greater visiting ANC clinic were included in the study during the period of 5 months (December 2023 to April 2024) at VVP rural hospital, Loni. Demographic details and blood pressure were collected. Data collected was analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2013 and pspp version 1.0.1. Results- Mean age of participant mothers was 23.2 years. Out of total 200 participants, 15 (7.5%) women presented with PIH (8, gestational hypertension and 5, pre-eclampsia and 2, eclampsia). Mean age of pregnant women presenting with PIH was 29 years as compared to the mean age of pregnant women without PIH which was 22 years. Out of 15 participants with PIH, 10 were primigravida, 8 and 3 were from lower and lower middle class respectively. Conclusion- PIH is still important problem and health education and awareness is still needed especially in rural communities.

Assessment of Proteinase and Phospholipases Enzymes Isolated from Pathogenic Candida species from Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital, Southern Highland Regions of Tanzania

Fungi are a global cause of vaginal infections, with vaginal candidiasis largely afflicting tropical regions including most parts of sub-Saharan Africa. In Tanzania, baseline studies have established the prevalence of Candida species among symptomatic and asymptomatic pregnant women in Dar es Salaam (Namkinga et al., 2005; Namkinga 2012) and in Mwanza (Mushi et al., 2019). However, no study that has been done to determine the above-mentioned enzymes form Candida species in Southern Highland Regions of Tanzania. Several factors have been reported to contribute to the virulence and pathogenicity of Candida, among others the production of extracellular hydrolytic enzymes, particularly phospholipase and proteinase. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the in vitro production of phospholipases and proteinases enzymes from isolated pathogenic Candida spp from pregnant women.Of the 280 samples collected from symptomatic and asymptomatic pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital were tested for several microbiological methods such as the wet mount microscopic preparations (hanging drop) and the Gram stained smears for microscopy, cultures on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar and on Conidia enhancing medium (Corn meal agar), germ tube test, biochemical tests, sugar fermentation-assimilation tests and molecular test to characterize Candida species.Phospholipase production was performed in egg yolk medium while the production of proteinase was done in a medium containing bovine serum albumin. All analyses were performed in triplicates. The results showed that; out of the 280 tested, 155 (74.3%) isolates were phospholipase positive while 201 (96.6%) were positive for proteinase activity. C. albicans was the species with the highest number of positive isolates for proteinase and phospholipase 110 (95.6%), and most strains of C. albicans produce both enzymes (phospholipases and proteinases). The non-albicans Candida isolates were also producers of hydrolytic enzymes that, consequently, might be able to cause infections as favorable conditions arises.

A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess Anemia among Women Attending Antenatal Clinic

A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess Anemia among Women Attending Antenatal Clinic

Factors Associated with Knowledge about Gestational Diabetes Mellitus among Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an increasing public health problem worldwide. Measuring the level of knowledge in a population at high risk for GDM will highlight the gaps and help in designing appropriate interventions. The objective of this study was to measure the knowledge about GDM and to identify the factors associated with it among pregnant women in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted with pregnant women seeking antenatal care services in two of the public sector tertiary care hospitals in Riyadh city. The study was performed using a self-administrated predesigned questionnaire. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS program. Results: More than 40% of the participants had poor knowledge about GDM complications, diagnosis and management. Women with lack of exercise [adjusted odds ratio 3.3 (95% CI 1.8, 6.1)]; having past histroy of GDM [3.2 (1.8, 5.7); primigravida [2.9 (1.6, 5.1)]; information on GDM received from doctors [2.0 (1.2, 3.4)] and those with low education level [1.8 (1.1, 2.9)] were more likely to have poor knowledge about GDM. Whereas, women with positive family history were 60 times more likely to have good knowledge about GDM. Conclusion: Primigravida mothers and those with low education level should receive specific information and awareness regarding GDM. Healthy lifestyle is important for the prevention and improvement in the diagnosis and management of GDM among pregnant women in Riyadh.

Knowledge and Practice of Prevention of Anaemia in Pregnancy Among Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Ogun State

Anaemia in pregnancy is a significant public health concern and is common among pregnant women and children. The study examined the knowledge of anaemia in pregnancy and preventive practices among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital Sagamu. This study adopted descriptive survey design and 150, sample size was calculated. The same number of questionnaire was distributed following an informed consent. The data for the study were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency/percentages and inferential statistics such as correlation analysis. The findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between the level of knowledge and practice of prevention of anaemia in pregnancy by the pregnant women at p-value of 0.000 which is significant at 5%. Also, the study revealed that there is a significant relationship between the perceived causes of anaemia in pregnancy and its preventive practices among the pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital Sagamu at p-value of 0.000 which is significant at 5% level. The implication of this is that the level of knowledge and practice of prevention of anaemia in pregnancy by pregnant women has influence on pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital Sagamu especially those affected by the menace. In conclusion, it was clear that anaemia in pregnancy is prevalent in Nigeria contemporary society whose quick prevention should be taken into prompt consideration. It is however recommended that the government should employ more public health nurses in order to ensure at least a visit to help increase the knowledge of pregnant women on anaemia in pregnancy and lay more emphasis on the preventive practices.

Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Screening in Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at a Tertiary Care Center in Uttarakhand, India: A Re-look at the Laboratory Parameters Mandating High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Workup.

Thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies are the most common inherited hematological disorders. Of these, β thalassemia is the commonest disorder reported in India, followed by certain hemoglobinopathies encountered in different regions of the country. The data pertaining to the incidence of these disorders in the Uttarakhand region of India are sparse. To ascertain the prevalence and spectrum of thalassemia/hemoglobinopathies amongst antenatal women in Uttarakhand. The study also aimed to analyze the ability of red cell indices in differentiating beta thalassemia trait (BTT) from mild iron deficiency anemia (IDA). A total of 460 pregnant women in the first trimester of pregnancy were screened by cation exchange high-performance liquid chromatography. Retention time and proportions of normal/abnormal hemoglobin peaks were documented in all cases. Hemoglobin A2 (HbA2) values of ≥4% were taken as a cut-off for diagnosing BTT. Blood samples were also collected for complete blood counts, reticulocyte counts, and serum ferritin. The ability of the various discriminatory indices to differentiate between IDA and BTT was also assessed. The prevalence of BTT and hemoglobin D-Punjab trait amongst pregnant women was found to be 2.6% and 0.2%, respectively. RBC count, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) were found to be moderately strong predictors of BTT, with an area under the curve of 0.860, 0.857, and 0.842, respectively, which were comparable to the discriminatory indices found to be most useful in this study. In view of the 2.6% prevalence of BTT in antenatal women in this region of Uttarakhand, a routine screening will be helpful in detecting carriers early in the antenatal period. Careful interpretation of red cell indices is crucial to the distinction between BTT and IDA. Discriminatory indices are reasonably accurate in differentiating BTT from mild iron deficiency, but for practical purposes, MCV and MCH provide equivalent information to identify cases that require further workup.

Indicators of Spousal Support for Good Pregnancy Outcome among Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Aims: Spousal support in prenatal care is an important factor in promoting both maternal and infant health This study assessed the indicators (physical, financial, emotional and social support) that is considered to be important for good pregnancy outcome among pregnant women.
 Study Design: The study was a descriptive cross sectional design which involved women attending antenatal clinic at Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
 Place and Duration of Study: Women attending antenatal clinic at Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo, State, Nigeria were sampled for this study, between December 2020 and January, 2021.
 Methodology: A total of three hundred and ninety-eight (398) pregnant women were randomly sampled for the purpose of this study. Data were collected from the respondents through the use of semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis.
 Results: Findings reveals that the mean age of respondents was 30±5.6years and 90.7% of them were married. In respect to occupation, 62.3% of the respondents were business women. Findings showed that 53% of the respondents specified that their pregnancy were multiparous while 47% stated that their pregnancy were primiparous. Result showed that 7.3%,8.1%,4.2% and 7.8% considered physical support only, financial support only, emotional support only and social support only as important indicators for spousal support. However, 72.6% of the respondents specified that all the indicators (physical, financial, emotional and social support) are considered to be important for good pregnancy outcome support with pregnancy outcome.
 Conclusion: Based on the findings, it was concluded that physical, social, financial and emotional support were considered important for good pregnancy outcome. It is recommended that spouse should give their wives necessary supports required during pregnancy and child birth.

Prevalence of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension among Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at Wenchi Methodist Hospital, Ghana

Pregnancy-induced hypertension is the most prevalent medical problem associated with pregnancy, affecting 6-10% of all pregnancies worldwide. It is the second leading cause of maternal death worldwide. A systolic blood pressure of 140 or a diastolic blood pressure of 90mmHg or both is considered hypertension in pregnancy. In order to diagnose hypertension disorder of pregnancy, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure rises are necessary. Pregnancy-induced hypertension develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy in women who had previously had normal blood pressure. The study’s objective was to determine the prevalence of pregnancy-induced hypertension by assessing the risk factors associated with Pregnancy-induced Hypertension; knowledge level of pregnancy-induced hypertension and further examined how women with Pregnancy Induced Hypertension are managed at the facility. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among health workers and pregnant mothers attending antenatal clinics at Wenchi Methodist Hospital. 240 pregnant women were chosen using a simple random sampling method. 12 health workers were chosen using a purposive sampling technique. For the analysis, STATA version 14.0 was employed. The results indicate that out of 240 women recruited, the prevalence of pregnancy-induced hypertension was 8.8%. Less than half (37.5%) of pregnant women had good knowledge of pregnancy-induced hypertension and its complications. 25% of health workers stated checking urine protein and 3.33% stated fasting blood sugar was the test done to check whether pregnant mothers had pregnancy-induced hypertension. Despite the low prevalence of pregnancy-induced hypertension, most of these women lacked knowledge of the condition and its complications. According to the study, women who have never had the disorder are at lesser risk of getting it. Pregnant older women were more likely to experience the disease; those who do not eat fatty foods have a lesser risk of developing pregnancy-induced hypertension.

An Observational Study of Accuracy of Ultrasound Determination of Estimated Fetal Weight in Small for Gestational Age Pregnancies in Women Attending Antenatal Clinic

An Observational Study of Accuracy of Ultrasound Determination of Estimated Fetal Weight in Small for Gestational Age Pregnancies in Women Attending Antenatal Clinic

Prevalence of Depression among Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at BPKIHS

Pregnancy is a time of increased vulnerability for the development of anxiety and depression because there are profound physiological and emotional changes in the mother during this period. Depression and anxiety are the most common psychiatric disorders during pregnancy and the symptoms can range from mild to severe. The study aimed to identify the prevalence of depression and its associated risk factors among pregnant women. A descriptive cross-sectional research was conducted among 414 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at BPKIHS through Systematic Random Sampling. Data were collected by interview technique using standardized and validated Edinburgh Postnatal Depression (EPDS) tool and Self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and binary logistic regression in SPSS version16. The prevalence of antenatal depression among the study population was 24.2 %. Antenatal depression was significantly associated with religion, gender of previous child, mode of previous delivery, fear of current pregnancy and complication, previous abortion, preferred sex of current child. Antenatal depression was 4 times more among the respondents having female child than male child (AOR= 4.135, CI: 1.146-14.924). Likewise, respondents who have the history of abortion were 4 times more likely to develop Antenatal depression (AOR=4.063, CI: 0.386-42.720). Similarly, respondents with the history of fear related to pregnancy complication were 3 times higher to develop Antenatal depression (AOR= 2.973, CI: 1.447-6.107).The study revealed that nearly 1/4th of the respondents had developed depression during antenatal period. Antenatal depression was higher among the respondents having the history of fear related to pregnancy, abortion and having previous male child. Therefore, screening pregnant women for depression during ANC visits and the provision of mental health education counseling services is recommended to mitigate the adverse health outcome of the problem.

A Study on Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness among Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in a Rural Area of Hooghly District, West Bengal

ABSTRACT Background: Globally, more than 40% of pregnant women experience acute obstetric problems and a large burden of it is shared by India. Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPCR) strategy is used to addresses these problems by encouraging women and communities to effectively plan for births, deal with birth emergencies. Objective: This study was conducted to assess the status of birth preparedness and complication readiness and to find out the factors associated with inadequate BPCR among pregnant woman in a rural area of West Bengal. Methodology: Institution based, observational study with cross-sectional design was conducted from January 2019 to September 2020 among pregnant women, attending antenatal care clinics in Singur block, Hooghly district West Bengal. Sample size was 272. Participants were chosen by systematic random sampling. Response rate was 94.5% (257). Data were collected using a predesigned pretested schedule and analyzed using Microsoft Excel version 2016 and SPSS version 16.0. Results: Overall, 60.3% mothers had inadequate BPCR. 66.1% mothers had poor BPCR knowledge and 72.8% mothers had poor BPCR practice. In multivariable logistic regression model, the odds of maternal morbidity [AOR = 2.03 (1.14 –3.62), P value = 0.16], ≤4 No. of ANC visits [AOR = 10.96 (4.82–22.9), P value = 0.001], first trimester USG [OR = 12.53 (5.8–24.5), P value = 0.001] showed significance with inadequate BPCR. Conclusion: Glimpse of BPCR is seen in government programmes like Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK). Yet a big void exists among Indian pregnant women’s knowledge and practice of BPCR. Thus, there is a need to include BPCR in health care system to improve outcomes for pregnant women.

Sero-Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Garissa County, Kenya

The public health impact of H. pylori (HP) infection is gradually becoming evident. The bacterium is now being implicated as an etiologic agent in various gastric diseases. In developing countries, HP infection is markedly more prevalent at younger ages than in developed countries. According to the World Gastroenterology Organization, the prevalence of H. pylori in Kenya was 48% in ages between 2-4, 80% at the age of 6, and 95% in the adult population. The main objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of Pylori infection among pregnant patients attending the antenatal clinic in Garissa County, Kenya. This study utilized a cross-sectional study design to determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection. Probability proportion to the size and a simple random technique was used to collect the data. Blood samples drawn from study participants were tested according to the standard H. pylori tests and as per the Kit manufacturers’ instructions and procedure. Information from the laboratory analysis and questionnaires were then recorded in the questionnaire. Informed consent was obtained from the study participants before the study data collection tools were administered. Data Collected was entered into Excel and then exported to SPSS version 20. Frequencies and percentages were used to describe data, while Chi-square and binary logistic regression analysis were used to establish the association between the independent and dependent variables. Results show that the seroprevalence of H. pylori among sample pregnant women was 45%. Inferential analysis shows that respondents levels of education (χ2 = 10.07, df = 1, p = 0.002), parity (χ2 = 15.776, df = 3, p = 0.001) and type of toilet (χ2 (10.415(3), p = 0.015) was associated with the prevalence of H. pylori at bivariate level. Logistic regression analysis establishes that having a higher level of education (A.O.R = 2.483, p = 0.023, living in urban areas (A.O.R = 0.274, p = 0.014), being in casual employment A.O.R = 0.208 p = 0.024), having more than four children (A.O.R = 7.971, p = 0.006) and sharing of beds (A.O.R = 0.034, p = 0.0001) were predictors of H. pylori infection. This study concludes that about half of the study participants had H. pylori infection and socio-demographic and environmental conditions contribute to the prevalence. There is a need to sensitize pregnant women on the cause and prevention of H. pylori. Also, maintaining proper environmental and sanitation hygiene will aid in reducing transmission

Seroprevalence of Anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Jos-North, Plateau State, Nigeria

Seroprevalence of Anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Jos-North, Plateau State, Nigeria

Knowledge and Beliefs regarding Seasonal Influenza Vaccine among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics

Knowledge and Beliefs regarding Seasonal Influenza Vaccine among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics

Screening for Beta Thalassemia Carrier State Among Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in a Tertiary Care Centre and Framing a Model Program for the Prevention of Beta Thalassemia.

AimThis study was carried out to detect beta (β) thalassemia heterozygous state in antenatal women and to create a validated flag in the software utilizing the screening indices to filter the samples to be subjected to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and to define a model for the prevention of thalassemia.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was carried out for a period of two years on women attending the antenatal clinic. Complete blood count (CBC) and peripheral smear were done during their first visit. Serum iron and total iron-binding capacity were done for women who had microcytic hypochromic anemia. The samples of women without iron deficiency were processed by HPLC for hemoglobinopathies. The spouses of women who were found to have beta thalassemia trait were counseled to undergo screening, and those who consented were tested.ResultsA total of 183 antenatal women were screened for hemoglobinopathies. Βeta thalassemia trait was detected in 23.5% of them. Among the 16 red blood cell (RBC) indices analyzed, Sehgal index and Mentzer index, both with sensitivities of 97.67%, were found to be suitable. Alert flag incorporated in the software of the analyzer to detect these indices helps not to miss samples to carry out HPLC. The spouses of women with β thalassemia trait who underwent HPLC testing were 55.81%. A model screening program was designed.Conclusion Antenatal testing by HPLC should be done on all mothers having microcytic hypochromic anemia without iron deficiency. Spouse testing of the woman who was carriers denotes the success of the antenatal screening program.

Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Determinants of Unintended Pregnancy among Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Thyolo District, Malawi

Background: Unintended pregnancies remain a public health problem. Unintended pregnancies continue to be a leading predisposing factor to the high total fertility rate, high maternal and child health morbidity and mortality. Unintended pregnancies lead to unsafe abortion and poor health-seeking behavior, especially among young and poor women. Knowledge of associated factors can help to design and implement appropriate interventions. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and socio-demographic factors associated with unintended pregnancy among women attending antenatal clinic (ANC) at Thyolo District Hospital in Malawi. Methodology: It was a quantitative cross-sectional study. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews with 396 women using a questionnaire. Systematic random sampling was used to recruit study participants. STATA version 13 package was used for univariate descriptive statistics, and logistic regression for bivariate and multivariate data analysis. Results: Slightly over half (54%) of women attending the antenatal clinic at Thyolo District Hospital had an unintended pregnancy. Unintended pregnancy was more likely to be reported among women of less than 20 years, education below secondary school level, marriage before 20 years, and polygamous relationships. In addition, families relying on farming alone other than employment or business were more likely to have an unintended pregnancy. Primgravidity and having no living child were also significantly associated with unintended pregnancy. Conclusion: Prevalence of unintended pregnancy is a health burden in Thyolo. Strategies to keep the girl child in school and delay marriage could address this challenge. Increasing access to effective contraceptive methods for the youth could mitigate the problem.

Knowledge of Cervical Cancer and Attitudes Towards Its Prevention Among Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Primary Health Centres in a Niger Delta Capital City

<i>Introduction </i>Cervical cancer is the fourth commonest cause of cancer and cancer-related deaths among women worldwide and commonest gynaecological cancer in Nigeria. This study sort to determine the awareness of cervical cancer, its prevention and determine the attitude and practice of these women towards screening. <i>Materials and methods: </i>This was a descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire-based study to assess the knowledge, attitude and utilisation of cervical cancer screening among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in primary health centres in Uyo, South-south Nigeria. <i>Results: </i>The mean age of respondents was 34.7±8.9 years. The majority (76.7%) had post-secondary education, were married (69.6%), had 2 or more lifetime sexual partners (>60%) and had been pregnant twice (25%). Most (87.5%) have heard about cervical cancer, mainly from health workers, 116 (44.8%). The top 2 clinical features known were abnormal vaginal bleeding 177 (59.8%) and foul-smelling vaginal discharge 157 (53.0%) while the commonest risk factors mentioned were sex at early age 145 (49.0%) and multiple sexual partners 135 (45.6%). Preventive strategies known include quitting smoking (53.4%), avoiding early sexual intercourse (49%) and avoiding multiple sexual partners (48.3%). The majority, 186 (62.8%) knew about screening measures but less than a quarter knew that all sexually active women should be screened 46 (15.5%), while only 24.7% were aware of free services, 15.2% had ever been screened. The commonest reasons for non-screening were not feeling at risk 68 (27.1%) and being unaware of screening 57 (22.7%) while most had a positive attitude towards screening for cervical cancer. 167 (56.4%). <i>Conclusion: </i>The good knowledge of cervical cancer and attitude towards its screening was not matched by action as only a few had ever been screened despite their high lifetime risk for it. There is therefore the need for further awareness creation on cervical cancer prevention with the aim of increasing their uptake of available screening services in the state.

Seroprevalence of HIV Infection among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in General Hospital Kumo, Gombe State Nigeria

Seroprevalence of HIV among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Kumo General Hospital was studied in 350 sera. The sera were obtained from women of different age group, occupation, social background including tradition (by tradition we mean people’s ways of life common in that locality). Screening was carried out using Abbot determine test strips and Gene 11 HIV 1 and 2. The Bio-data information of the women was gathered through questionnaire administration. Out of the 350 sera collected, 12(3.4%) were reactive for HIV. There was high prevalence among age group 21-30 (2.1%) followed by age group 11-20 (0.9%). High prevalence was also observed among the unemployed pregnant women (2.1%). Women who had no risk factor were also noted to have had high prevalence (1.7%); Spouses of seropositive pregnant women and those with no risk factor had 42% and (33%) prevalence respectively.

Barriers, Motivations to Utilization of Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV among Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at a Teaching Hospital in Abuja, Nigeria

Barriers, Motivations to Utilization of Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV among Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at a Teaching Hospital in Abuja, Nigeria