Trend and Factors Associated with HIV Infection Among Pregnant Women at ANC Clinic, Chiangrai Regional Hospital

Abstract

AIDS epidemic becomes a major public health problem in Thailand, especially in the Northern region. The infection is spreading from risk groups to general population. This study was aimed to determine the proportion of HIV – infection, trend, and factors associated with this infection among pregnant women who attended the antenatal care clinic at Chiangrai regional hospital during 1989-1992 by using longitudinal descriptive studies. One hundred and seventy six of 4,529 patients (4.13%) were positive for anti-HIV antibody by ELISA test. The infection has increased from 1.19% in 1989 to 2.46%, 5.71% and 5.90% in 1990, 1991, and 1992 respectively. The increasing rate was inversely related to age groups. The incidence was highest in the primigravida (6.35%) The main risk factors were HIV infection in their spouses and past history of being prostitute. This study provided baseline data for planning to control the infection in women and their offsprings.