KAP of HIV prevention and screening among pregnant women attending specialist antenatal clinics in Calabar, Nigeria.
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.


METHODS
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.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Ekabua
J E
JE
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar.
Oyo-Ita
A E
AE
Ogaji
D S
DS
Omuemu
V O
VO
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D009549:Nigeria; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011295:Prenatal Care; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires