Frequency of HIV Infection Among Pregnant Women in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan

TL;DR

This study examines the low rate of HIV among pregnant women in Islamabad, Pakistan, and highlights a lack of awareness about HIV transmission and healthcare access.

Contribution

The study provides current data on HIV prevalence and risk factors among pregnant women in a specific Pakistani hospital setting.

Findings

Only 1.5% of 130 pregnant women tested positive for HIV.

97.7% of participants reported limited knowledge about HIV transmission.

A small percentage of women faced barriers to accessing healthcare services like HIV counseling.

Abstract

Background

The prevalence of HIV among pregnant women remains a significant public health concern in Pakistan. Understanding the risk factors associated with HIV infection in this population is crucial for developing effective interventions and reducing the incidence of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of the virus.

Aim

This study aimed to assess the frequency of HIV infection among pregnant women attending a tertiary care hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan, and to identify the associated risk factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 130 pregnant women who presented with one or more HIV risk factors. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained prior to the study. Participants underwent HIV testing, and data on demographics and HIV-related knowledge were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics, utilizing descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to determine associations between HIV infection and various risk factors, with a significance threshold set at p < 0.05.

Results

Out of the 130 participants, 128 (98.5%) tested negative for HIV and 2 (1.5%) tested positive. The study revealed a low prevalence of unprotected sexual intercourse and a limited history of sexually transmitted infections (5.3%). Additionally, 97.7% of women reported limited knowledge about HIV transmission, and a small percentage reported barriers to accessing healthcare services, including HIV counseling.

Conclusion

The study found a low frequency of HIV among pregnant women in the sample population; however, it highlighted a significant lack of awareness regarding HIV transmission and related health services. Increased educational initiatives and accessible healthcare resources are recommended to enhance knowledge and reduce the risk of HIV among pregnant women, thereby minimizing the potential for MTCT.