Trend of HIV prevalence among pregnant women attending Antenatal Care Unit of Bishoftu Hospital, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: HIV prevalence data from prevention of mother-to-child-transmission (PMTCT) programs are being utilized to monitor the trend of HIV epidemics that helps policy makers to take appropriate action.

Objective: To determine the trend of HIV among pregnant women attending the antenatal care unit of Bishoftu Hospital from January 2006 to June 2010.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of HIV among pregnant women attending the ANC unit of Bishoftu Hospital. Data were analyzed for descriptive statistics and Chi-square for trends using SPSS Version 15.0. P-values < or = 0.05 were considered significant.

Results: A total of 7887 pregnant women were registered in the ANC unit of Bishoftu Hospital from January 2006 to June 2010. The overall HIV prevalence rate was 5.4%. High prevalence rates were observed in those aged between 25-45 years. There was a decline in HIV prevalence from 8.3% in 2006 to 4.3% in 2010. A total of 1247 pregnant women were tested together with their partner. Of these, in 3.1% of the cases, both partners tested positive and 4.9% were discordant couples where 2.4% were female positive and male negative while 2.5% were male positive and female negative.

Conclusions: A remarkable decline in HIV prevalence was observed during the five years period The study also revealed that relatively higher proportions of HIV infected persons are living in a serodiscordant partnership. The involvement of male partners in HIV counseling and testing and preventive interventions targeted at HIV-negative individuals with discordant partnerships are urgently needed.