Maternal hiv positive sero-prevalence at delivery at a tertiary hospital in south-eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Background

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Maternal HIV positive sero-prevalence, delivery, birth sex ratio,Orlu.: The duo of HIV/AIDS infection has become a Global public health problem. This study was conducted to determine the maternal HIV positive seroprevalence at delivery at the Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the case records of women (both booked and unbooked) who tested positive to Human Immune-deficiency Virus at delivery at the Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH), Orlu from 1st May 2005 to 30th April 2010 was made. The biosocial, obstetric and fetal sex data were extracted and analysed. Results: The maternal HIV positive sero-prevalence at delivery was 6.9%. The highest sero prevalence rate of 42.4% occurred in the age group of 31-35years. Sixty three (68.5%) of the women were multiparous (para 1- 4). The male: female birth ratio was 1 : 1.42. Forty one (44.6%) of the women were unbooked. None of the women were symptomatic of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) on presentation. Conclusion: There is high maternal HIV seroprevalence at delivery at IMSUTH, Orlu. There should be improvement on interventions to reduce this ugly trend. There should also be early booking and adequate antenatal care services.