HIV prevalence and associated risk factors among rural pregnant women in North Central Nigeria

Abstract

To determine the prevalence of HIV infection and associated risk factors among rural pregnant women in Plateau state, Nigeria. Study Design: The study involved a cross-sectional study of pregnant rural women in antenatal clinics (ANCs) in five (5) rural villages of Mangu Local Government area of Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. Methodology: A total of 248 pregnant women with mean age of 26 years were recruited through a random sampling method during ANCs with pre and post counseling initiated and a structured survey questionnaire used. Venous blood samples were collected using needles and syringes, thereafter transported to a central point at Gindiri, centrifuged and serum sent to Plateau Specialist Hospital virology laboratory for HIV testing. Results: Participants with less than six (6) months planned postpartum sexual abstinence(cultural to abstain from Sexual Intercourse during pregnancy) were 8 times significantly more likely (OR 8.2; 95% CI 1.4, 42.0) to be infected compared with those who observed more than six (6) months planned postpartum abstinence. Also, women from polygamous marriages had a five-fold greater and significantly odds (OR 5.36; 95%CI 1.3, 24.5) of being HIV positive compared to women from monogamous marriages. Furthermore, parous women were 4 times significantly more likely (OR 4.66; 95%CI 1.1, 20.0) to be infected than nulliparous women. Previous exposure to malaria and educational status were not significantly associated with HIV infection. Conclusion: HIV prevalence was 3.2% (95% CI; 1.5 – 6.5)comparable to Nigerian’s current overall prevalence rate and high lights need to eliminate preventable risk factors and relevance of male involvement in HIV prevention especially during pregnancy including ANCs, Care, Treatment and Support. There was higher rate of HIV infection among women who did not abstain from sexual intercourse during pregnancy suggesting multiple partnerships and need for marital faithfulness especially from the men during pregnancy.