Risk Factors And Preventive Measures Of Hiv/aids Among Pregnant Women Attending Ante Natal Care

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) remain major public health concerns in many parts of the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), there were approximately 38 million people living with HIV globally in 2019, with 67% of them residing in sub-Saharan Africa (UNAIDS, 2020). Nigeria, in particular, has one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the world, with an estimated 1.5 million people living with the disease in 2020 (UNAIDS, 2020). Women, especially pregnant women, are particularly vulnerable to the disease, with mother-to-child transmission being a significant mode of HIV transmission (UNAIDS, 2020).

In Nigeria, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending antenatal care is a major concern. According to the Nigerian National HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS) conducted in 2018, the HIV/AIDS prevalence among pregnant women in Nigeria was estimated to be 1.4% (Federal Ministry of Health, 2019). The study also revealed significant variations in prevalence rates across different states in the country, with some states having prevalence rates as high as 5.6% (Federal Ministry of Health, 2019). One of such states is Oyo State, located in the South western part of Nigeria, with an estimated HIV prevalence rate of 2.9% (Federal Ministry of Health, 2019).

Ogbomoso South Local Government Area (LGA) is one of the 33 LGAs in Oyo State, with an estimated population of 203,666 people (National Population Commission, 2006). The LGA is predominantly rural and agrarian, with farming being the main occupation of the people. Health care services in the LGA are provided by a combination of government-owned health facilities and private health facilities. However, despite the availability of healthcare services, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending antenatal care in the LGA is still a major concern.

Identifying the risk factors associated with HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending antenatal care is crucial to developing effective prevention and control strategies. Previous studies have identified several risk factors associated with the disease, including low level of education, poor knowledge of HIV/AIDS, early sexual debut, multiple sexual partners, and lack of access to healthcare services (Alemayehu et al., 2017; Awolude et al., 2014; Tessema et al., 2014). In addition, studies have shown that the use of antiretroviral drugs during pregnancy and the adoption of safe sex practices are effective preventive measures that can reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women (Chopra et al., 2017; WHO, 2016).

However, there is a paucity of research on the risk factors and preventive measures of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Ogbomoso South LGA. Therefore, this study aims to address this gap by exploring the risk factors associated with HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending antenatal care in the LGA and identifying preventive measures that can be taken to reduce the prevalence of the disease. The findings of the study will provide valuable information to policymakers, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders involved in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS in the study area.

In summary, the study aims to contribute to the body of knowledge on the risk factors and preventive measures of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Ogbomoso South LGA. The study is significant in that it provides an opportunity to identify the challenges and barriers to HIV/AIDS prevention and control in the study area, and to develop targeted interventions that address these challenges. The study will also help to increase awareness and understanding of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women and healthcare providers, and encourage the adoption of safe sex practices and the use of antiretroviral drugs to prevent mother-to-child transmission of the disease.

The study adopts a quantitative research design, utilizing a structured questionnaire to collect data from 200 pregnant women attending antenatal care in selected health facilities in Ogbomoso South LGA. The questionnaire will be administered by trained research assistants, and will collect information on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of HIV/AIDS, access to healthcare services, sexual behavior, and preventive measures employed to reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission. Data collected will be analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors associated with HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending antenatal care in the LGA.

The study has some limitations, including the possibility of social desirability bias, which may lead to participants providing socially acceptable responses rather than their true opinions. In addition, the study is limited to pregnant women attending antenatal care, and therefore may not be representative of the entire population of women in the LGA. Nevertheless, the findings of the study will provide valuable insights into the risk factors and preventive measures of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women in the study area, and will contribute to the development of effective prevention and control strategies.

In conclusion, HIV/AIDS remains a major public health concern in many parts of the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the disease. Identifying the risk factors associated with HIV/AIDS among pregnant women and exploring effective preventive measures is crucial to reducing the prevalence of the disease. This study aims to address this gap by exploring the risk factors and preventive measures of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Ogbomoso South LGA. The findings of the study will provide valuable information to policymakers, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders involved in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS in the study area, and contribute to the global effort to reduce the burden of HIV/AIDS.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite the significant progress made in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, the disease remains a major public health concern, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where the prevalence of HIV/AIDS is highest (UNAIDS, 2020). Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to HIV/AIDS, with mother-to-child transmission being one of the primary modes of transmission (UNAIDS, 2020). In Nigeria, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending antenatal care is estimated to be 1.4%, with a higher prevalence in some regions (National Agency for the Control of AIDS, 2021).

Ogbomoso South Local Government Area (LGA) is one of the regions in Nigeria with a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending antenatal care (Olayinka et al., 2020). Despite efforts to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in the region, the disease continues to pose a significant threat to the health and well-being of pregnant women and their unborn children. Therefore, there is a need to identify the risk factors associated with HIV/AIDS among pregnant women in the LGA and explore effective preventive measures to reduce the prevalence of the disease.

While some studies have been conducted on HIV/AIDS among pregnant women in Nigeria, there is a dearth of information on the risk factors and preventive measures of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Ogbomoso South LGA. This gap in knowledge poses a significant challenge to the development of effective prevention and control strategies for the disease in the region. Therefore, there is a need for further research to address this gap in knowledge and provide evidence-based information to policymakers, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders involved in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS in the region.

1.3 Research Objectives

The main aim of this study is to examine risk factors and preventive measure of hiv/aids among pregnant women attending ante natal care in Ogbomoso south local government. Specific objectives include:

1. To identify the sources of information about HIV/Aids among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Ogbomoso South LGA.

i. To identify the risk factors associated with HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Ogbomoso South LGA.

ii. To assess the preventive measures employed by pregnant women to reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission in Ogbomoso South LGA.

1.4 Research Questions

i. What are the sources of information about Hiv/Aids among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Ogbomoso South LGA?

ii. What are the risk factors associated with HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Ogbomoso South LGA?

iii.What are the preventive measures employed by pregnant women to reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission in Ogbomoso South LGA?

1.5 Significance of the Study

The study on risk factors and preventive measures of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Ogbomoso South LGA is significant for several reasons.

Firstly, it will provide important information on the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women in the region, which can help inform public health policies and interventions to reduce the incidence of the disease.

Secondly, the study will identify the risk factors associated with HIV/AIDS among pregnant women in the region. This information can help healthcare providers and policymakers to develop effective prevention and control strategies for the disease in the region.

Thirdly, the study will assess the preventive measures employed by pregnant women to reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission. This information can help identify effective strategies to promote safer sexual behavior and reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission of the disease.

Overall, the study will contribute to the body of knowledge on HIV/AIDS among pregnant women in Nigeria, and provide evidence-based information to inform public health policies and interventions aimed at reducing the incidence of the disease in the region. It will also help raise awareness of the importance of safe sexual behavior and HIV/AIDS prevention measures among pregnant women, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders involved in the prevention and control of the disease.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The scope of this study is limited to pregnant women attending antenatal care in Ogbomoso South Local Government Area (LGA) of Oyo State, Nigeria. The study will focus on identifying the risk factors associated with HIV/AIDS among pregnant women in the region and exploring effective preventive measures to reduce the prevalence of the disease. The study will involve a quantitative research design, and data will be collected using a structured questionnaire administered to pregnant women attending antenatal care in selected health facilities in the LGA.

The study will cover a period of  months and will involve a sample size of 200 pregnant women attending antenatal care in selected health facilities in Ogbomoso South LGA. The selection of the health facilities will be based on their high patient flow and their representation of the various communities in the LGA. The study will use a purposive sampling technique to select the participants who meet the inclusion criteria, which include being pregnant and attending antenatal care in the selected health facilities.

The study will collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, sources of information about Hiv/Aids, risk factors, and preventive measures associated with HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending antenatal care in the LGA. Data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical tools, and descriptive statistics. The findings of the study will be presented in the form of tables, graphs, and charts, and will be discussed in light of the study objectives and research questions.

Despite these limitations, the study will provide valuable information on the prevalence, risk factors, and preventive measures associated with HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Ogbomoso South LGA. The findings of the study may inform public health policies and interventions aimed at reducing the incidence of the disease in the region and improving the health outcomes of pregnant women and their infants.

1.7 Operational Definition of Terms

This study on risk factors and preventive measures of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Ogbomoso South LGA may use some technical terms or concepts that require clarification. The following are some definitions of key terms used in this study:

1. AIDS: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is a condition caused by the HIV virus when the immune system is severely damaged, making the body susceptible to infections and diseases.

2. Antenatal care: This is the care provided to pregnant women by healthcare professionals to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and fetus during pregnancy.

3. HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a virus that attacks the immune system and weakens the body's ability to fight infections and diseases.

4. Prevalence: This is the number of cases of a disease or condition within a population at a given time.

5. Preventive measures: These are measures or actions taken to prevent the spread of a disease or condition. In this study, preventive measures for HIV/AIDS may include practicing safe sex, using condoms, and regular HIV testing.

6. Risk factors: These are factors that increase the likelihood of a person contracting a disease or condition. In this study, risk factors associated with HIV/AIDS among pregnant women may include unprotected sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partners, and lack of access to healthcare services.

7. Quantitative research: This is a research approach that involves the collection and analysis of numerical data to draw conclusions and make inferences about a population or phenomenon.

8. Qualitative research: This is a research approach that involves the collection and analysis of non-numerical data, such as text or images, to gain insights into the attitudes, behaviors, and experiences of a population or phenomenon.

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