Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding HIV/AIDS among pregnant females attending the antenatal clinic: a study at Dr. S. N. Medical College in Jodhpur, India

Manisha; Ritu Yadav; Rizwana Shaheen

doi:10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20232298

Authors

Manisha Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. S. N. Medical College, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Ritu Yadav Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. S. N. Medical College, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Rizwana Shaheen Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. S. N. Medical College, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20232298

Keywords:

AIDS, HIV, Knowledge gap, Pregnant women

Abstract

Background: AIDS, caused by HIV, is a global health threat that weakens the immune system and leads to life-threatening infections. India has been heavily affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic due to a lack of accurate information and prevention efforts. Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) is a significant factor in HIV spread. Knowledge of HIV status through voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) is crucial. Despite efforts, HIV/AIDS remains a major public health challenge in India.

Methods: A study at Dr. S.N. Medical College focused on pregnant women in the antenatal clinic. Using a questionnaire, data was collected from 100 participants on socio-demographics, HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes, and practices.

Results: Most participants were aged 21-30, with 48 having 6-10 years of education. The majority identified as Hindu, and 89 were housewives. The study revealed gaps in HIV/AIDS knowledge, with many participants lacking awareness and having misconceptions. Stigma and fear were also prevalent, but recognition of abstinence as a preventive measure was observed.

Conclusions: Targeted interventions, education, and awareness campaigns are necessary to enhance knowledge, dispel misconceptions, and reduce HIV/AIDS stigma among pregnant women in antenatal clinics. Policies, programs, and preventive strategies should be developed to reduce HIV/AIDS incidence and prevalence. Future research should address knowledge gaps, promote understanding of HIV/AIDS, and focus on preventing mother-to-child transmission, ultimately working towards ending AIDS as a public health threat.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

References

National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) and World Health Organization (WHO). HIV Sentinel surveillance and HIV estimation in India: A Technical Brief, 2001. Available at: https://www.who.int/hiv/pub/surveillance/india_2001.pdf. Accessed on 10 June 2023.

National AIDS Control Organization (NACO). National Behavioural Surveillance Survey (BSS) Among Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) - Final Report, 2003. Available at: http://www.naco.gov.in/sites/default/files/IDU%20Report.pdf. Accessed on 10 June 2023.

Chander G, Himanshu D, Sharma S. Estimating HIV-1 prevalence in the general population: a study in a high-risk area of Northern India. Ind J Comm Med. 2003;28(1):10-3.

National AIDS Control Organization (NACO). National Baseline Behavioral Surveillance Survey (BSS) Among General Population 2001, 2002. Available at: http://www.naco.gov.in/sites/default/files/GF%20Round%20I%20BSS%20General%20population%20India%202001.pdf. Accessed on 10 June 2023.

Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). Global HIV & AIDS statistics - 2019 fact Sheet, 2019. Available at: https://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/media_asset/UNAIDS_FactSheet_en.pdf. Accessed on 10 June 2023.

World Health Organization (WHO). Global Health Observatory (GHO) Data - HIV/AIDS, 2019. Available at: https://www.who.int/gho/hiv/en/. Accessed on 10 June 2023.

Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The World Factbook – India, 2022. Available at: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/india/. Accessed on 10 June 2023.

Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). India HIV and AIDS Estimates 2021, 2021. Available at: https://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/media_asset/2021_unaids_india_countryfactsheet_en.pdf. Accessed on 10 June 2023.

Sagili H, Pramila K, Prabhu V, Mascarenhas M, Reddy PN. Awareness and knowledge of reproductive tract infections among women in rural areas of Andhra Pradesh, India. Indian J Comm Med. 2009;34(3):224-8.

Tesfaye G, Molla M, Temesgen T, Kassa B. Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV/AIDS in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Ethiop J Health Sci. 2013;23(3):271-278.

Meena P, Roy A, Sarkar A, Kumari S. Knowledge, attitude, and perception among pregnant women regarding sexually transmitted infections including HIV in a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India. J Obstet Gynaecol India. 2016;66(Suppl 1):390-6.

Lette A, Fenta TG, Melsew YA. Knowledge, attitude and practice towards voluntary counselling and testing among university students in North West Ethiopia: a cross sectional study. BMC Public Health. 2016;16:462.

Mukhtar M, Maqbool A, Ahmad M, Hussain H, Ahmad N. Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practices regarding HIV/AIDS amongst males and females of reproductive age group in Bahawalpur. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(3):739-44.

Upadhyay M, Bhattarai S, Chhetri AK. Knowledge, attitude, and practice on human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome among pregnant women visiting antenatal clinic of Dhulikhel Hospital-Kathmandu university hospital. J Nepal Health Res Counc. 2019;17(3):298-306.

Aitalegbe OW, Ogboghodo EO, Shaibu JO, Okonofua FE. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of female undergraduates regarding HIV/AIDS in a Nigerian University. J AIDS HIV Res. 2019;11(8):111-9.