Prevalence and risk factors for Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection in pregnant women

Objective: To determine the prevalence and the risk factors for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection in pregnant women admitted to the President Prudent State Hospital, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Methods: This was a cross-sectional epidemiological study with 873 participants. Sociodemographic characteristics, gestation clinical characteristics, and prenatal care data were collected with a semi-structure questionnaire, chart review, and prenatal progress notes, from March 1, 2005 to December 30, 2006. Results: The prevalence of HIV infection was 2.1%. Participants with HIV infection had lower educational level and they were older and had a higher gestational age than those participants who were HIV negative. The risk factors for HIV infection were living far from prenatal health care services and having low educational level. The findings of the study show an increase in the prevalence of HIV infection in pregnant women compared with data previously reported. Conclusion: Higher prevalence of HIV infection in pregnant women may be related to deficiency in preventive measures during the prenatal period.