HIV seroprevalence in antenatal women in Barbados - abstract

ABSTRACT

Barbados has reported, up to the end of September 1991, a total of 231 cases of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), with 162 deaths from the disease. This is one of the highest incidences reported by countries to the World Health Organization. In order to bring the disease under control, one has to estimate the gravity of the problem in at-risk groups within the society. This calls for an organized programme of counselling and testing of individuals and groups who have been exposed, knowingly or unknowingly, to the human immunodeficiency virus - the causitive agent of AIDS. In pursuance of the above objective, the Ministry of Health in Barbados has launched a programme whereby pregnant women are being screened for the virus after they have been counselled, and informed consent obtained. This programme was commenced early in 1991 at the Winston Scott Polyclinic, which serves a catchment area with an estimated population of 58,000 which compares with the total population of 256,000. In addition, a questionnaire, covering the basic demographic and sexual behaviour patterns of the women was completed for each of the participants. During the first ten months of 1991 a total of 401 antenatal women were counselled and 400 tested for HIV. Six (6) were found to be HIV-positive, giving a prevalence rate of 1.5 per cent. One woman refused to be tested. The findings of the questionnaire showed that a large number of respondents were unmarried and had had multiple sexual contacts. Their partners were occasional users of condoms. The findings support the need for more health educaton in relation to the practise of safe sex in the population of women attending the polyclinic (AU)