Frequency of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C Among Antenatal Women at a Tertiary Care Hospital: HIV, HBV, and HCV Prevalence in Antenatal Women

Rumsha Mallick; Falak Naz Baloch; Faryal Rashed; Namia Nazir; Atruba Ismail; Hafiza Maryam

doi:10.54393/pjhs.v7i6.3017

Authors

Rumsha Mallick Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
Falak Naz Baloch Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
Faryal Rashed Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
Namia Nazir Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
Atruba Ismail Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
Hafiza Maryam Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v7i6.3017

Keywords:

Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Antenatal Care

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B (HBV), and Hepatitis C (HCV) are major blood-borne infections. In Pakistan, the prevalence of HCV is predicted to range from 8% to 15%, while the combined frequency of HBV and HCV affects 7.6% of the population. Prenatal HIV screening is recommended to prevent mother-to-child transmission. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the frequency of HIV, HBV, and HCV among antenatal patients at a tertiary healthcare facility. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at the Civil Hospital Karachi Obstetrics and Gynecology unit 3 over 6 months, from October 7, 2022, to April 8, 2023. Pregnant women aged between 15-49 years, with a gestational age >20 weeks, presenting for routine antenatal care were enrolled using non probability consecutive sampling. All participants were screened for HIV, HBV, and HCV. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Results: Among 187 women, the mean age was 32.29 ± 3.91 years, and the mean gestational age was 22.87 ± 1.34 weeks. The prevalence rates of HIV, HBV, and HCV were 13 (7%), 23 (12.3%), and 43 (23%), respectively. Conclusions: Among antenatal patients, the prevalence of HIV, HBV, and HCV was 13 (7%), 23 (12.3%), and 43 (23%), respectively. This underscores the need for regular screening during pregnancy. Regular screening during pregnancy is mandatory to prevent these infections from being transferred from the mother to the child.

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