Risk Factors And Preventive Measures Of HIV / AIDS Among Pregnant Women Attending Ante-Natal Care

Project and Seminar Material for Nursing (Science)

Risk Factors And Preventive Measures Of HIV / AIDS Among Pregnant Women Attending Ante-Natal Care (Charles)

Abstract

This study was carried out to examine the risk factors and preventive measures of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending ante-natal care using Ogbomoso South LGA, Oyo State as a case study. The study was carried out to ascertain the prevalence of HIV/Aids among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Ogbomoso South LGA, identify the risk factors associated with HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Ogbomoso South LGA, and assess the preventive measures employed by pregnant women to reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission in Ogbomoso South LGA. The survey design was adopted and the simple random sampling techniques were employed in this study. The population size comprised of pregnant women attending antenatal care in Ogbomoso South LGA. In determining the sample size, the researcher purposefully selected 147 respondents and 141 were validated. Self-constructed and validated questionnaire was used for data collection. The collected and validated questionnaires were analyzed using frequency tables, and mean scores. While the hypotheses was tested Chi-square statistical tool. The result of the findings reveals that the prevalence of HIV/Aids among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Ogbomoso South LGA is low. Furthermore, the study revealed that the preventive measures employed by pregnant women to reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission in Ogbomoso South LGA includes: accessing family planning (FP) services, maintaining an undetectable viral load during pregnancy, labor and delivery and while breastfeeding, up-taking appropriate treatment, care, and support, attaining HIV testing services, and optimizing ART regimens to promote viral suppression. Therefore, it is recommended that Emphasis should be given on continuous education regarding PMTCT, strengthening ANC and institutional delivery coverage with integrated PMTCT service. Moreover, strengthening discussion of PMTCT with their spouses is quite important. To mention but few.

Table of Content

Title Page
Certification
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Table of Content
List of Tables
Abstract

Chapter One:

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Objective of the Study
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Research Hypothesis
1.6 Significance of the Study
1.7 Scope of the Study
1.8 Limitation of the Study
1.9 Definition of Terms
1.10 Organisations of the Study

Chapter Two:

Review of Literature

2.1 Conceptual Framework
2.2 Theoretical Framework
2.3 Empirical Review

Chapter Three:

Research Methodology

3.1 Research Design
3.2 Population of the Study
3.3 Sample Size Determination
3.4 Sample Size Selection Technique and Procedure
3.5 Research Instrument and Administration
3.6 Method of Data Collection
3.7 Method of Data Analysis
3.8 Validity of the Study
3.9 Reliability of the Study
3.10 Ethical Consideration

Chapter Four:

Data Presentation and Analysis

4.1 Data Presentation
4.2 Analysis of Data
4.3 Answering Research Questions
4.4 Test of Hypotheses

Chapter Five:

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation

5.1 Summary
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendation
References
APPENDIX
QUESTIONNAIRE

Chapter One

Introduction

1.1 Background to the Study

Health is not merely the absence of disease but a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), poses a significant threat to global health. HIV is a lentivirus that weakens the immune system, making individuals susceptible to life-threatening opportunistic infections.1 The virus can be transmitted through various body fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluid, pre-ejaculate, and breast milk. While the transmission through contaminated blood products has been significantly reduced in developed countries due to screening measures, other modes of transmission, such as unsafe sex, contaminated needles, and perinatal transmission, remain significant concerns.2

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) remain major public health concerns in many parts of the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), there were approximately 38 million people living with HIV globally in 2019, with 67% of them residing in sub-Saharan Africa (UNAIDS, 2020). Nigeria, in particular, has one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the world, with an estimated 1.5 million people living with the disease in 2020 (UNAIDS, 2020). Women, especially pregnant women, are particularly vulnerable to the disease, with mother-to-child transmission being a significant mode of HIV transmission (UNAIDS, 2020).

In Nigeria, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending antenatal care is a major concern. According to the Nigerian National HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS) conducted in 2018, the HIV/AIDS prevalence among pregnant women in Nigeria was estimated to be 1.4% (Federal Ministry of Health, 2019). The study also revealed significant variations in prevalence rates across different states in the country, with some states having prevalence rates as high as 5.6% (Federal Ministry of Health, 2019).

Identifying the risk factors associated with HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending antenatal care is crucial to developing effective prevention and control strategies. Previous studies have identified several risk factors associated with the disease, including low level of education, poor knowledge of HIV/AIDS, early sexual debut, multiple sexual partners, and lack of access to healthcare services (Alemayehu et al., 2017; Awolude et al., 2014; Tessema et al., 2014). In addition, studies have shown that the use of antiretroviral drugs during pregnancy and the adoption of safe sex practices are effective preventive measures that can reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women (Chopra et al., 2017; WHO, 2016).

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite the significant progress made in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, the disease remains a major public health concern, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where the prevalence of HIV/AIDS is highest (UNAIDS, 2020). Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to HIV/AIDS, with mother-to-child transmission being one of the primary modes of transmission (UNAIDS, 2020). In Nigeria, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending antenatal care is estimated to be 1.4%, with a higher prevalence in some regions (National Agency for the Control of AIDS, 2021).

Nigeria with a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending antenatal care (Olayinka et al., 2020). Despite efforts to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in the region, the disease continues to pose a significant threat to the health and well-being of pregnant women and their unborn children. Therefore, there is a need to identify the risk factors associated with HIV/AIDS among pregnant women in Ogbomoso South LGA, Oyo State and explore effective preventive measures to reduce the prevalence of the disease.

While some studies have been conducted on HIV/AIDS among pregnant women in Nigeria, there is a dearth of information on the risk factors and preventive measures of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Ogbomoso South LGA, Oyo State. This gap in knowledge poses a significant challenge to the development of effective prevention and control strategies for the disease in the region. Therefore, there is a need for further research to address this gap in knowledge and provide evidence-based information to policymakers, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders involved in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS in the region.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The primary objective of the study is to analyse the risk factors and preventive measures of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending ante-natal care using Ogbomoso South LGA, Oyo State as a case study. Specific objectives of the study are:

Ascertain the prevalence of HIV/Aids among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Ogbomoso South LGA.
Identify the sources of information about HIV/Aids among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Ogbomoso South LGA.
Identify the risk factors associated with HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Ogbomoso South LGA.
Assess the preventive measures employed by pregnant women to reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission in Ogbomoso South LGA.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions are:

What is the prevalence of HIV/Aids among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Ogbomoso South LGA.
What are the sources of information about HIV/Aids among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Ogbomoso South LGA.
What are the risk factors associated with HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Ogbomoso South LGA.
What are the preventive measures employed by pregnant women to reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission in Ogbomoso South LGA?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

The following research hypothesis will validate this study:

Ho: There are no risk factors and preventive measures of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending ante-natal care using Ogbomoso South LGA, Oyo State.
Ha: There are a risk factors and preventive measures of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending ante-natal care using Ogbomoso South LGA, Oyo State.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study on risk factors and preventive measures of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Ogbomoso South LGA is significant for several reasons.

Firstly, it will provide important information on the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women in the region, which can help inform public health policies and interventions to reduce the incidence of the disease.

Secondly, the study will identify the risk factors associated with HIV/AIDS among pregnant women in the region. This information can help healthcare providers and policymakers to develop effective prevention and control strategies for the disease in the region.

Thirdly, the study will assess the preventive measures employed by pregnant women to reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission. This information can help identify effective strategies to promote safer sexual behavior and reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission of the disease.

Overall, the study will contribute to the body of knowledge on HIV/AIDS among pregnant women in Nigeria, and provide evidence-based information to inform public health policies and interventions aimed at reducing the incidence of the disease in the region. It will also help raise awareness of the importance of safe sexual behavior and HIV/AIDS prevention measures among pregnant women, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders involved in the prevention and control of the disease.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study primarily focuses on the risk factors and preventive measures of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending ante-natal care using Ogbomoso South LGA, Oyo State as a case study. Geographically, the study will be delimited to Ogbomoso South LGA, Oyo State.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

Like in every human endeavour, the researcher encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection, which is why the researcher resorted to a limited choice of sample size. More so, the researcher simultaneously engaged in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1.9. Definition of Terms

HIV/AIDS:

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection, making a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. It is spread by contact with certain bodily fluids of a person with HIV, most commonly during unprotected sex (sex without a condom or HIV medicine to prevent or treat HIV), or through sharing injection drug equipment.

Antenatal Care:

Antenatal care is the care you get from health professionals during your pregnancy. It’s sometimes called pregnancy care or maternity care.

Risk factor:

In epidemiology, a risk factor or determinant is a variable associated with an increased risk of disease or infection. Due to a lack of harmonization across disciplines, determinant, in its more widely accepted scientific meaning, is often used as a synonym.

1.10 Organization of the Studies

The study is categorized into five chapters. The first chapter presents the background of the study, statement of the problem, objective of the study, research questions and hypothesis, the significance of the study, scope/limitations of the study, and definition of terms. The chapter two covers the review of literature with emphasis on conceptual framework, theoretical framework, and empirical review. Likewise, the chapter three which is the research methodology, specifically covers the research design, population of the study, sample size determination, sample size, and selection technique and procedure, research instrument and administration, method of data collection, method of data analysis, validity and reliability of the study, and ethical consideration. The second to last chapter being the chapter four presents the data presentation and analysis, while the last chapter(chapter five) contains the summary, conclusion and recommendation.

Chapter Five

Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations:

5.1 Introduction

This chapter summarizes the findings on the risk factors and preventive measures of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending ante-natal care using Ogbomoso South LGA, Oyo State as a case study. The chapter consists of summary of the study, conclusions, and recommendations.

5.2 Summary of the Study

In this study, our focus was to examine the risk factors and preventive measures of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending ante-natal care using Ogbomoso South LGA, Oyo State as a case study. The study specifically was aimed to ascertain the prevalence of HIV/Aids among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Ogbomoso South LGA, identify the risk factors associated with HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Ogbomoso South LGA, and assess the preventive measures employed by pregnant women to reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission in Ogbomoso South LGA.

The study adopted the survey research design and randomly enrolled participants in the study. A total of 141 responses were validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents are pregnant women attending antenatal care in Ogbomoso South LGA.

5.3 Conclusions

Based on the findings of this study, the researcher made the following conclusion.

The prevalence of HIV/Aids among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Ogbomoso South LGA is low.
The risk factors associated with HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Ogbomoso South LGA includes: low level of education, poor knowledge of HIV/AIDS, early sexual debut, multiple sexual partners, and lack of access to healthcare services.
The preventive measures employed by pregnant women to reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission in Ogbomoso South LGA includes: accessing family planning (FP) services, maintaining an undetectable viral load during pregnancy, labor and delivery and while breastfeeding, up-taking appropriate treatment, care, and support, attaining HIV testing services, and optimizing ART regimens to promote viral suppression.

5.4 Recommendations

Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations are proffered.

Emphasis should be given on continuous education regarding PMTCT, strengthening ANC and institutional delivery coverage with integrated PMTCT service. Moreover, strengthening discussion of PMTCT with their spouses is quite important.
There is need for the involvement of the stakeholders in bridging the gap between knowledge and utilization of PMTCT services among women.
A revised health education programme for pregnant women living with HIV should be implemented to enlighten women and mean on the need to utilize PMTCT services.
Health personnel should always encourage husbands of women living with HIV to utilize PMTCT services to prevent mother to child transmission of the virus.
Health personnel should avoid discrimination of women living with HIV and to show them positive attitude to that will encourage them to continue to utilize PMTCT services.