BACKGROUND: There is a growing concern globally to reverse the growing incidence of HIV especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study was conducted to determine the level of awareness, attitude and practice of antenatal HIV screening in Calabar. METHOD: Descriptive multi-centric study of 400 antenatal attendees in Calabar, carried out in October 2005 using pre-tested, semi-structured and interviewer-administered questionnaire for data collection. RESULT: Of the 96.7% women with knowledge of HIV infection, 41.2% were assessed to have excellent knowledge of the mode of transmission. Awareness of antenatal HIV screening was observed in 96.2% women; while 93.7% approved of antenatal HIV screening. Awareness and approval of antenatal HIV screening was significantly related to age and educational status. The proportion of women who had HIV test in current pregnancy was 70.2%. Pre-test counseling was done in 65.8% of women. Most women (78.2%) who had not been screened were willing to undergo HIV testing. Spousal disapproval (23.1%) was the main reason for unwillingness to undergo HIV testing. CONCLUSION: The study revealed high levels of awareness, approval and practice of antenatal HIV screening. However, pre test counseling was not consistently given in cases tested.
BACKGROUND: There is a growing concern globally to reverse the growing incidence of HIV especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study was conducted to determine the level of awareness, attitude and practice of antenatal HIV screening in Calabar. METHOD: Descriptive multi-centric study of 400 antenatal attendees in Calabar, carried out in October 2005 using pre-tested, semi-structured and interviewer-administered questionnaire for data collection. RESULT: Of the 96.7% women with knowledge of HIV infection, 41.2% were assessed to have excellent knowledge of the mode of transmission. Awareness of antenatal HIV screening was observed in 96.2% women; while 93.7% approved of antenatal HIV screening. Awareness and approval of antenatal HIV screening was significantly related to age and educational status. The proportion of women who had HIV test in current pregnancy was 70.2%. Pre-test counseling was done in 65.8% of women. Most women (78.2%) who had not been screened were willing to undergo HIV testing. Spousal disapproval (23.1%) was the main reason for unwillingness to undergo HIV testing. CONCLUSION: The study revealed high levels of awareness, approval and practice of antenatal HIV screening. However, pre test counseling was not consistently given in cases tested.
Authors: Gambo Aliyu; Mukhtar Mohammad; Ahmed Saidu; Prosanta Mondal; Man Charurat; Alash'le Abimiku; Abdulsalami Nasidi; William Blattner Journal: AIDS Care Date: 2010-10
Authors: Juliet Iwelunmor; Echezona E Ezeanolue; Collins O Airhihenbuwa; Michael C Obiefune; Chinenye O Ezeanolue; Gbenga G Ogedegbe Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2014-07-30 Impact factor: 3.295