Abortions and HIV-1 infection in New York City, 1987-1989.
OBJECTIVE
This serologic survey was performed to determine rates of HIV-1 infection among New York City (NYC) women seeking abortions.


METHODS
Anonymous unlinked blood samples were collected and analyzed for the presence of HIV-1 antibodies. Abortion clinics were chosen for the representativeness of their patient population to all women obtaining abortions in NYC.


METHODS
Blood samples and demographic information, including age group, race/ethnicity, borough of residence and type of payment were obtained from 15 abortion sites (11 clinics, four hospitals) in NYC between 1987 and 1989.


METHODS
A total of 5889 blood samples were collected from women seeking abortions. Twelve of the 15 facilities were sampled in all 3 years.


METHODS
We determined HIV infection rates in the overall sample and in selected subpopulations, and assessed temporal trends. Stepwise logistic regression was applied to identify factors independently associated with HIV-1 infection.


RESULTS
The rate of HIV-1 infection in the overall sample was 1.19% (70 out of 5889) and remained stable in the 12 facilities sampled during all 3 years: 1987 (1.42%, 17 out of 1200); 1988 (1.67%, 20 out of 1200); and 1989 (0.90%, 27 out of 2989) (P = 0.09). Logistic regression identified receiving Medicaid and being aged between 25 and 35 years to be independently associated with HIV-1 infection.


CONCLUSIONS
Approximately 1200 women seeking abortions annually in NYC are infected with HIV-1. If accessibility to elective abortion is curtailed, the number of children born to HIV-1 infected mothers will increase.
Araneta
M R
MR
Office of HIV Serosurveys/AIDS Research, New York City Department of Health, New York 10013.
Weisfuse
I B
IB
Greenberg
B
B
Schultz
S
S
Thomas
P A
PA
D000023:Abortion Applicants / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000032:Abortion, Therapeutic; D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology*; D000293:Adolescent; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D015528:HIV Seroprevalence; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009519:New York City / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy