Seroprevalence of HIV, hepatitis B virus, and syphilis in women at their first visit to public antenatal clinics in Vitória, Brazil

Abstract

Background: In some countries, HIV infection in pregnancy has become a common complication of pregnancy. Goal: To determine the seroprevalence of HIV, hepatitis B virus, and syphilis among pregnant women, and to assess risk factors for these infections. Study Design: A cross-sectional study was performed. Methods: Pregnant women attending antenatal clinics of Vitoria Municipality from March to December 1999 were included in this study after giving written informed consent. The women were systematically interviewed. During the interview, their demographics and patterns of risk behavior were explored. A blood sample was collected for testing HIV, hepatitis B virus, and syphilis. Results: The participants in this study were 1608 pregnant women. The prevalence of HIV infection was 0.8% (95% CI, 0.4-1.2), hepatitis B virus carriers 1.1% (95% C1, 0.8-1.3), and syphilis 3% (95% CI, 2.6-3.5). The potential risk behaviors were found to be a history of STDs (6.5 %), condoms never used (52.8%), prostitution (0.5%), noninjection drug use (6.3%), blood transfusion (1.5%), and intravenous drug abuse (0.7%). Conclusion: These results show the necessity of implementing programs aimed at preventing transmission of these infections in women and their children.