HIV SEROPREVALENCE IN ANTENATAL ATTENDEES AND UTILIZATION OF INTEGRATED COUNSELING AND TESTING CENTRE (ICTC) SERVICES A STUDY IN A TERTIARY MEDICAL INSTITUTE OF RURAL AREA

Abstract

Method: A retrospective analysis of data regarding utilization of ICTC services by pregnant women at Tertiary care Medical Institute of central Maharashtra, from September 2002 to December 2010 was done. Pre-test counseling, HIV testing and Post-test counseling was done by trained staff of ICTC centre as per NACO (National AIDS Control Organization) guidelines. Anti retroviral prophylaxis in the form of single dose oral Nevirapine (200 mg) was given to seropositive women during active labor. Nevirapine syrup 200 mg per kg body weight was administered to newborn babies. Analysis of outcome of seropositive pregnancies and exposed babies was done. Results : Out of new antenatal attendees 26,487 pregnant accepted pre-test counseling and 25,740 (97.17%) were tested for HIV . One hundred and forty-four women were found seropositive with seroprevalence rate of 0.44 %.Three point five percent opted for pregnancy termination. Fifteen point seven three percent delivered vaginally and 85.39 % underwent caesarean section. All the mother- baby pairs received nevirapine prophylaxis. Twenty seven exposed babies were tested at 18 months of age and 2 were found to be seropositive. Conclusion : PPTCT centers can act as excellent venues to impart information, education and counseling to expectant mothers. If the system is followed properly 100 % counseling rates and