Prevalence and Risk Factors of HIV and Syphilis among Pregnant Women in Ado Local Government, Ekiti State, South Western Nigeria – 2017.

Image

Background: Sexually transmitted diseases are epidemics and causes health and economic consequences in developing countries. HIV, Syphilis and other STDs are transmissible to the unborn babies and results in adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of HIV and Syphilis among pregnant women in Ado Local Government Area, Ekiti State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and May, 2017 among 340 pregnant women attending ANC and maternity homes. Data was collected using semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire and blood samples from enrollees were screened for HIV and Syphilis using enzyme linked Immunosorbent assay. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were done and level of significant set at 5%. Results Data analysis was carried out on 337 respondents. Mean age was 29.6 years, 108 (53%) were employed, 274 (81.3%) Christian and 251 (74.5%) had lived in Ado LGA for more than 2 years. Majority, 328 (97.3%) and 204 (60%) have heard of HIV/AIDS and syphilis respectively. Eleven (3.3%), 8 (2.4%) tested positive for HIV and Syphilis respectively. Both HIV and Syphilis were found in 1(0.3%) respondent. Predictors of HIV infection includes multiple sex partners in the last one-year (AOR 13.3, 95% CI. 2.6 - 69.8), history of STI in the past 3 months (AOR5.8, 95% CI. 1.1 - 21.1), and regular partner having sexual relationship with someone else (AOR 6.4, 95% CI. 1.2 – 30.1). Predictors of syphilis infection are forced sexual intercourse in the past 1 year (AOR 29.0, 95% CI. 3.4 - 244.1) and new sexual partner in the past 6 months (AOR 10.2, 95% CI. 1.5 - 68.1).