DECLINING HIV SEROPREVALENCE AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN SOUTH ODISHA, INDIA: A SIX AND HALF YEAR TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL BASED STUDY

Abstract

Background: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has emerged as the greatest threat to human existence. Estimating the rate and trends of HIV seroprevalence among pregnant women provides essential information for an effective implementation of Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission of HIV (PPTCT) programme and for monitoring its spread within different parts of the country. Objective: As few studies are available from India on HIV prevalence among the antenatal population, a study at a tertiary care hospital in southern Odisha was carried out to know the current trends of seroprevalence in this group. Methods: Blood samples were collected from pregnant women attending antenatal clinic and Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre II (ICTC II) after pre test counselling and informed consent from November 2005 to April 2012. The samples were tested for HIV antibodies as per WHO and NACO guidelines. Result: Among 18,905 pregnant women counselled, 15,853 (83.85%) accepted for HIV testing. From the total 15,853 tested in six and half years 0.66% women were found to be HIV seropositive. The mean age of HIV positive women was 24.31 years (SD