Missed Opportunity for Routine Childhood Vaccination in Urban and Rural Areas of Edo State, Nigeria: A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the proven effectiveness of immunization against vaccine preventable diseases, vaccination coverage among children remains low in many developing countries including Nigeria. A significant contributor is missed opportunity for vaccination (MOV). This study compared the prevalence and determinants of MOV among under-five children in an urban and a rural community in Edo State, Southern Nigeria. METHODS: This comparative cross-sectional community-based study was carried out among 644 mothers of under-five children selected using a multistage sampling technique from an urban and a rural community. Data was collected using a modified structured WHO protocol for evaluation of MOV and analyzed with IBM SPSS version 22.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The prevalence of MOV was 21.7% and 22.1% in urban and rural communities, respectively (p=0.924). The measles vaccine was the most frequently missed in the urban 40 (57.1%) and rural 45 (63.4%) communities. The major reason for MOV in both communities was limited hours of vaccination (urban-58.6% and rural-62.0%). Poor knowledge of vaccination was a determinant of MOV in both urban (aOR=0.923; 95%CI=0.098-0.453) and rural (aOR=0.231; 95%CI=0.029-0.270) communities. Other determinants in the community included older maternal age (aOR=0.452; 95%CI=0.243-0.841) while in the rural community, they included older child (aOR=0.467; 95%CI=0.220-0.990) and ANC attendance (aOR=2.827; 95%CI=1.583-5.046). CONCLUSION: MOV was common in both urban and rural communities in Edo State. Regular public awareness campaigns and capacity building workshops for health care workers to address the individual and health system factors are recommended.

CONTEXTE: Malgré l'efficacité prouvée de l'immunisation contre les maladies évitables par la vaccination, la couverture vaccinale des enfants reste faible dans de nombreux pays en développement, y compris le Nigéria. Les occasions manquées de vaccination (OMV) y contribuent de manière significative. Cette étude a comparé la prévalence et les déterminants des occasions manquées de vaccination chez les enfants de moins de cinq ans dans une communauté urbaine et rurale de l'État d'Edo, au sud du Nigéria. MÉTHODES: Cette étude transversale comparative a été menée auprès de 644 mères d'enfants de moins de cinq ans sélectionnées à l'aide d'une technique d'échantillonnage à plusieurs degrés dans une communauté urbaine et une communauté rurale. Les données ont été collectées à l'aide d'un protocole structuré modifié de l'OMS pour l'évaluation du MOV et analysées à l'aide d'IBM SPSS version 22.0. Des statistiques descriptives et inférentielles ont été réalisées, p<0,05 étant considéré comme statistiquement significatif. RÉSULTATS: La prévalence du vaccin antirougeoleux était de 21,7% et de 22,1 % dans les communautés urbaines et rurales, respectivement (p=0,924). Le vaccin contre la rougeole était le plus souvent omis dans les communautés urbaines 40 (57,1 %) et rurales 45 (63,4 %). La principale raison de l'omission dans les deuxcommunautés était le nombre limité d'heures de vaccination (58,6 % en milieu urbain et 62,0 % en milieu rural). Une mauvaise connaissance de la vaccination était un facteur déterminant de l'OMV dans les communautés urbaines (aOR=0,923 ; 95%CI=0,098-0,453) et rurales (aOR=0,231 ; 95%CI=0,029-0,270). Les autres déterminants en milieu urbain comprenaient l'âge maternel plus élevé (aOR=0,452 ; 95%CI=0,243-0,841) tandis qu'en milieu rural, ils comprenaient l'enfant plus âgé (aOR=0,467 ; 95%CI=0,220-0,990) et la fréquentation de la CPN (aOR=2,827 ; 95%CI=1,583-5,046). CONCLUSION: La MVO est fréquente dans les communautés urbaines et rurales de l'État d'Edo. Il est recommandé d'organiser régulièrement des campagnes de sensibilisation du public et des ateliers de renforcement des capacités pour les travailleurs de la santé afin de s'attaquer aux facteurs individuels et aux facteurs liés au système de santé. Mots-clés: Occasion manquée; Vaccination; Enfants de moins de cinqans; Communautés; Rurales; Urbaines.

Prevalence, Pattern and Predictors of Elder Abuse in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria: An Urban and Rural Comparison.

BACKGROUND: Elder abuse is a growing concern globally and the consequences can be detrimental to the wellbeing of the elderly. In Nigeria, it is a hidden problem, under-reported with limited national response. This study compared the prevalence and pattern of elder abuse and its determinants between urban and rural communities in Benin-City. METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional analytical studywas conducted among 445 urban and 468 rural elderly respondents selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed by IBM SPSS version 23.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done with level of significance set at p<0.05. RESULTS: The lifetime prevalence of elder abuse was 18.6% and 17.6% while the one-year prevalence was 14.7% and 13.3% in the rural and urban areas, respectively. The most common was psychological abuse (86.2% vs 84.2%) while the least was sexual abuse (3.4% vs 9.2%) in rural and urban areas, respectively. The predictors of elder abuse in the urban area were low level of education (aOR=2.080; 95%CI=1.031-4.196), poor social support (aOR=2.249; 95%CI=1.005-5.033) and social dissatisfaction (aOR=9.308; 95%CI=3.876-22.353) while predictors in the rural area included male gender (aOR=2.051; 95%CI=1.042-4.036), poor social support (aOR=3.555; 95%CI=1.642-7.696), social dissatisfaction (aOR=65.320; 95%CI=21.656-97.022) and good social network (aOR= 0.261; 95%CI=0.092-0.739). CONCLUSION: Elder abuse is not uncommon in our environment and the pattern is in consonance with the global typologies. Appropriate strategies to raise awareness on this emerging public health concern and establishing a holistic policy to respond to the problem and care for the elderly are recommended.

BACKGROUND: La maltraitance des personnes âgées est une préoccupation croissante dans le monde entier, et ses conséquences peuvent être préjudiciables au bien-être des personnes âgées. Au Nigéria, il s'agit d'un problème caché, insuffisamment signalé avec une réponse nationale limitée. Cette étude a comparé la prévalence et le modèle de la maltraitance des personnes âgées et ses déterminants entre les communautés urbaines et rurales de la ville de Bénin. MÉTHODES: Une étude analytique transversale comparative a été menée auprès de 445 personnes âgées en milieu urbain et 468 en milieu rural sélectionnées à l'aide d'une technique d'échantillonnage à plusieurs degrés. Les données ont été recueillies à l'aide d'un questionnaire structuré administré par un enquêteur, et analysées par la version 23.0 du IBM SPSS. Des statistiques descriptives et inférentielles ont été réalisées avec un niveau de signification fixé à p<0,05. de signification fixé à p<0,05. RÉSULTATS: La prévalence à vie de la maltraitance des personnes âgées était de 18,6 % et 17,6 %, tandis que la prévalence sur un an était de 14,7 % et 13,3 % dans les zones rurales et urbaines respectivement. La plus fréquente était l'abus psychologique (86,2% vs 84,2 %) et la moins fréquente était l'abus sexuel (3,4 % vs 9,2 %) dans les zones rurales et urbaines, respectivement. Les prédicteurs de la maltraitance des personnes âgées dans la zone urbaine étaient un faible niveau d'éducation (aOR=2,080; 95%CI=1,031-4,196), soutien social insuffisant (aOR=2,249; 95%CI=1,005-5,033) et l'insatisfaction sociale (aOR=9,005 ; 95%CI=1,005-5,033), sociale (aOR=9,308; 95%CI=3,876-22,353), tandis que les prédicteurs prédicteurs dans la zone rurale comprenaient le sexe masculin (aOR=2,051; 95%CI=1,042-4,036), un faible soutien social (aOR=3,555; 95%CI=1,642-7,696), l'insatisfaction sociale (aOR=65,320; 95%CI=21,656-97,022) et un bon réseau social (aOR= 0,261; 95%CI=0,092-0,739). CONCLUSION: La maltraitance des personnes âgées n'est pas rare dans notre environnement et le modèle est en consonance avec les typologies mondiales. Des stratégies appropriées pour sensibiliser à cette problème de santé publique émergent et l'établissement d'une politique politique holistique pour répondre au problème et prendre soin des personnes âgées recommandées. Mots clés: Maltraitance des personnes âgées; Prévalence; Modèle; Déterminants; Ville de Bénin.

Knowledge and Skills of Health Care Workers Implementing Integrated Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Strategy in Edo State, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The Integrated Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (IMNCH) strategy which advocates for integrated care of mother and newborn requires skilled health care workers (HCWs) for effective implementation. This study assessed the capacity of HCWs in Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities in Edo State to implement the IMNCH strategy. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 333 HCWs drawn from PHC facilities in Edo State using multistage sampling technique. Data was collected by structured self-administered questionnaire and analysed using IBM SPSS version 21.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done with level of significance set at p<0.05. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-four (52.3%) of the respondents had good knowledge of IMNCH strategy, 223 (67.0%) had good practice of focused antenatal care (FANC) while 92 (27.6%) had good of routine and basic emergency obstetric care (BEOC) including essential newborn care (ENC). Respondents' designation was the only significant predictor of knowledge of IMNCH strategy (aOR=5.03, 95%CI=2.92-8.67, p<0.001). Respondents' designation (aOR=6.50; 95%CI=3.11-13.99, p<0.001) and good knowledge of IMNCH strategy (aOR=0.21, 95%CI=0.12-0.38, p<0.001) were the significant predictors of good practice of FANC. Respondents' designation (aOR=6.13, 95%CI=3.27-11.48, p<0.001) and good knowledge of IMNCH strategy (aOR=0.28, 95%CI=0.14-0.54, p<0.001) were the significant predictors of good practice of routine and BEOC including ENC. CONCLUSION: The study found overall good knowledge of IMNCH strategy, good practice of FANC but poor practice of routine, basic emergency obstetric and newborn care among HCWs in PHC facilities in Edo State. Engaging more skilled HCWs and continuous professional training of employed staff is recommended for effective implementation of the IMNH strategy.

CONTEXTE: La stratégie de la santé intégrée de la mère, du nouveau-né et de l'enfant (IMNCH), qui préconise des soins intégrés pour la mère et le nouveau-né, exige des travailleurs de la santé qualifiés pour une mise en œuvre efficace. Cette étude a évalué la capacité des travailleurs de la santé dans les établissements de soins de santé primaires (SSP) de l'État d'Edo à mettre en œuvre la stratégie IMNCH. MÉTHODES: Cette étude transversale a impliqué 333 travailleurs de santé sélectionnés dans les établissements de soins primaires de l'État d'Edo en utilisant une technique d'échantillonnage à plusieurs degrés. Les données ont été collectées au moyen d'un questionnaire structuré auto-administré et analysées avec IBM SPSS version 21.0. Des statistiques descriptives et inférentielles ont été réalisées avec un niveau de signification fixé à p<0,05. RÉSULTATS: Cent soixante-quatorze (52,3%) des répondants avaient une bonne connaissance de la stratégie IMNCH, 223 (67,0%) avaient une bonne pratique des soins prénataux ciblés (FANC) tandis que 92 (27,6%) avaient une bonne pratique des soins obstétricaux d'urgence de routine et de base (BEOC), y compris les soins essentiels au nouveauné (ENC). La désignation des répondants était le seul prédicteur significatif de la connaissance de la stratégie IMNCH (aOR=5,03, 95%CI=2,92-8,67, p<0,001). La désignation des répondants (aOR=6,50 ; 95%CI=3,11-13,99, p<0,001) et une bonne connaissance de la stratégie IMNCH (aOR=0,21, 95%CI=0,12-0,38, p<0,001) étaient les prédicteurs significatifs d'une bonne pratique des FANC. La désignation des répondants (aOR=6.13, 95%CI=3.27-11.48, p<0.001) et la bonne connaissance de la stratégie IMNCH (aOR=0.28, 95%CI=0.14-0.54, p<0.001) étaient les prédicteurs significatifs de la bonne pratique de la routine et du BEOC incluant l'ENC. CONCLUSION: L'étude a révélé une bonne connaissance générale de la stratégie IMNCH, une bonne pratique des FANC mais une faible pratique des soins de routine, des soins obstétriques d'urgence de base et des soins aux nouveau-nés parmi les travailleurs de santé dans les établissements PHC de l'état d'Edo. L'engagement d'un plus grand nombre d'agents sanitaires qualifiés et la formation professionnelle continue du personnel employé sont recommandés pour une mise en œuvre efficace de la stratégie IMNH. MOTS CLÉS: IMNCH ; Mise en œuvre ; Agents de santé ; Soins de santé primaires, État d'Edo.

Knowledge, Attitude and Preventive Practices Against Lassa Fever Among Residents in a Rural Community in Southern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Lassa fever is of significant public health concern due to the high morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. There is need for the general public, especially those in the rural communities, to have adequate knowledge of Lassa fever as well as engage in proper measures that will prevent the occurrence of future outbreaks. OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge, attitude and preventive practices against Lassa fever of adult residents among a rural community in Edo State, Nigeria. METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study among adult residents of a rural community in Etsako Central LGA, Edo State. The participants were selected using multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires and data analysis was by IBM SPSS version 21.0. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Four hundred and sixty-five respondents with a mean age of 34.6 ± 14.7 years participated in the study. Majority (89.0%) had heard of Lassa fever and of these, 82.9% and 85.3% had poor knowledge of Lassa fever and positive attitude towards preventive measures against Lassa fever, respectively. Over half (59.1%) had poor preventive practices against Lassa fever. Knowledge, attitude and preventive practice was found to be better among educated respondents. CONCLUSION: The study showed a gap in knowledge of Lassa fever and preventive practices against the disease among the respondents. Adequate measures such as enforcing policies against bush burning should be put in place by all stakeholders to ensure that this gap observed is bridged.

PREVALENCE OF RHEUMATIC HEART DISEASE AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS IN MID-WESTERN NIGERIA.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of RHD among primary school pupils in Egor Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo State of Nigeria. DESIGN: A cross sectional study SETTING: The study was carried out among selected primary pupils in three public and six private schools in Egor LGA, (the smallest governmental unit) in mid-Western Nigeria. SUBJECTS: Using a multistage sampling technique, pupils were selected from public and private primary schools in Egor LGA. They were clinically screened for evidence of RHD by auscultating for significant murmurs. The pupils with significant murmurs then had echocardiographic evaluation to confirm the presence of RHD. MAIN OUTCOMES: Pupils with significant murmurs and pupils with echocardiographically confirmed RHD. RESULTS: Of the 1764 pupils recruited, 900 (51.02%) were females while 864 (48.98%) were males. The mean age of the pupils was 8.86 ± 2.14 years. 1065 (60.37%) and 699 (39.63%) respectively were recruited from public and private schools. Of the 1764 pupils, six (0.34%) had significant murmur. Only one of the six had RHD, giving a prevalence of 0.57/1000 pupils. The pupil with RHD was a male, from public school and in the low socioeconomic class. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of RHD in this study is low compared to similar studies conducted outside the country. The true prevalence may be underestimated since higher prevalence is obtained from echocardiographic based screening compared to clinical screening.

Intestinal helminthiasis and nutritional status of children living in orphanages in Benin City, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal helminths are often associated with poor growth and reduced physical activities, and may worsen already compromised nutritional status of children living in orphanages. AIMS: To determine the relationship between intestinal helminthiasis and nutritional status of children living in orphanages in Benin City, Nigeria. SETTING AND DESIGN: A cross sectional study carried out from January to April 2011 in orphanages in Benin City, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fresh stool samples from 140 children (0-17 years) living in 10 orphanages in Benin City, were analyzed using the Kato-Katz technique for the detection of ova of helminths between January and April 2011. Physical growth of the children was classified as stunted, wasted, and under-weight using height for age Z-score, weight for height Z-score, and weight for age Z-score below -2 standard deviation of the reference median, respectively, in the World Health Organization growth chart. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data obtained was entered into spread sheet using the Microsoft Excel 2007 and the analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software versions 11.0 and 16.0 (SPSS Inc Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS: Prevalence of intestinal helminthiasis was 20.7% and was observed highest in children aged 12-17 years. Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura were the intestinal helminths isolated. Nearly all infected subjects had significant stunted growth ( P = 0.014) and another one-quarter were significantly under-weight ( P = 0.021) when compared with noninfected subjects. CONCLUSION: Intestinal helminthiasis is associated with under-weight and stunted growth.

Prevalence and intensity of intestinal helminthiasis in children living in orphanages in Benin City, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Orphans may be envisaged to have sub-optimal care and may be predisposed to high worm burden. This study was undertaken to determine prevalence and intensity of intestinal helminthiasis in children living in orphanages in Benin City, Nigeria. METHODS: Fresh stool samples from 150 children (0-17 years) living in 10 orphanages in Benin City, were analyzed using the Kato-Katz technique for the detection of ova of helminths between January and April, 2011. RESULTS: The subjects consisted of 62 (41.3%) males and 88 (58.7%)females; mean age (+/- standard deviation SD) 7.0 +/- 4.6 years, and mean (+/- SD) years lived in the orphanage was 4.0 +/- 3.7 years. Prevalence of intestinal helminthiasis was 20.7% and this prevalence was highest in children ages 12-17years, children who had lived longer years in the orphanages and in orphanages with poor child/care-giver ratio (orphanage F = 12.0: 1 and orphanage H = 7.3: 1). Mean (+/- SD) age (8.7 +/- 4.5 years) of infected subjects was significantly higher than (6.6 +/- 4.5 years) observed in non-infected subjects (p = 0.023). Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura were the intestinal helminths isolated. Intensity of intestinal helminths was light in 24/31 (77.4%) and moderate in 7/31 (22.6%) infected subjects. Median egg per gram was 999 eggs per gram and range was 48-8000. CONCLUSION: Improved child/care-giver ratio in orphanages will reduce worm burden in orphanages in Benin City.

Assessment of noise levels generated by music shops in an urban city in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the level of noise generated by music shops in an urban city in Nigeria. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional, descriptive study. METHODOLOGY: The study involved music shops in three out of eight identified clusters of market areas in Benin City. A semi-structured, researcher-administered questionnaire was also used to collect data from music shop owners. Noise levels generated by speakers in the music shops were measured using a sound level meter, and blood pressure measurements were taken with a mercury sphygmomanometer. RESULTS: Of the 250 music shops studied, more than 90.0% generated noise levels >85 dB, and 54.8% had a continuous pattern of noise. Longer duration of working years was significantly associated with decreased hearing (P = 0.01), shouting when talking (P = 0.04) and high blood pressure (P = 0.003). The position of music dealers in relation to the speakers was significantly associated with shouting when talking (P = 0.000). A significant association was found between higher levels of noise and high blood pressure (P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: This study found very high levels of noise in music shops, which could be a source of occupational noise exposure among music dealers. Enlightenment campaigns on the hazards of exposure to loud noise and periodic audiometry examinations are recommended for this occupational group.

The prevalence of overweight and its risk factors among adolescents in an urban city in Edo State.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of overweight is rising even in countries with significant rates of undernutrition. This is exacerbated by westernization of lifestyles and the image of prosperity associated with overweight. Children are not spared and the health consequences may become apparent in the near future. This study assessed the prevalence of overweight among adolescents in an urban city in a developing country. METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study conducted from September to December 2005 involved 300 adolescents selected by cluster sampling in Benin-city, Nigeria. Overweight and risk of overweight were defined as Body mass index (BMI)-for-age > or = 95th percentile and BMI-for-age 85th to < 95th percentile respectively. RESULTS: Of the participants, 5.7% were overweight while 52.7% were at risk of overweight. Risk factors of overweight identified were consumption of snacks (64.3%), soft drinks (85.7%) and physical inactivity (69.7%). Being overweight was significantly associated with consumption of snacks, soft drinks, physical inactivity and positive family history of obesity, (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of risk factors for overweight suggests that the already high prevalence of overweight will increase in the near future. Preventive measures are required to forestall this increase.

Awareness and acceptability of strategies for preventing mother to child transmission of HIV among antenatal clients in Calabar, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Mother to child transmission is the major route through which children below the age of 15 years acquire HIV infection. The most effective way to reduce childhood HIV infection is to prevent the infection in mothers and for already infected mothers use appropriate strategies to prevent transmission to their children. This study was conducted to determine the level of awareness and acceptability of strategies for preventing mother to child transmission of HIV. METHOD: Exploratory multi-centric descriptive study involving 400 antenatal attendees in Federal, State and a Private health facility was used. Interviewer-administered questionnaire was the tool for data collection. RESULT: Majority of the respondents (94.7%) were aware of transmission of HIV from an infected mother to her child. Respondents were more aware of the use of antiretroviral drugs in pregnancy (63.2%) than they were of avoiding breastfeeding (58.5%) and Cesarean delivery (22.8%) as strategies for preventing mother to child transmission. They were also more likely to accept the use of antiretroviral drugs (78.2%) than they would avoid breastfeeding (69.0%) and accept Cesarean delivery (38.0%) for preventing mother to child transmission of HIV High educational status was significantly associated with a positive attitude to these strategies. CONCLUSION: There is need for more educational programs and social support to bridge the gap between the levels of awareness and acceptability of strategies for preventing mother to child transmission of HIV among the populace.

Attitude and practice of antenatal HIV screening among pregnant women attending a secondary health facility in Benin-city.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the awareness, attitude and practice of HIV testing among antenatal clients in Benin-city. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out among 200 pregnant women. Respondents were selected at the weekly booking clinic using systematic sampling technique. Pre-tested, semi-structured and researcher-administered questionnaire was tool for data collection. RESULTS: All the respondents were aware of HIV testing. Majority (85.5%) supported antenatal HIV testing with a higher proportion supporting mandatory testing (51.0%). About 25.0% of the respondents had undergone HIV testing and only 27.5% of them were counseled. Previous HIV testing was associated with higher educational status (p = 0.0443) and a higher parity (p = 0.0191). About 59.1% of those who had not been tested were willing to undergo the test. Predictors of willingness to test were a positive reaction to a positive test result (p = 0.0015) and support for mandatory testing (p = 0.0021). Age, educational status and parity were not associated with willingness to test. (p > 0.05) CONCLUSION: The practice of HIV testing was low and indicates the need to increase public enlightenment programmes on voluntary HIV testing and its benefits.

Awareness of high blood pressure status, treatment and control in a rural community in Edo State.

A cross-sectional study was carried out in Udo, a rural community in Ovia South-west LGA of Edo State to assess the level of awareness of high blood pressure status, treatment and control. Cluster sampling method was used to select participants and data collection was by researcher administered questionnaire. Blood pressure measurement was by standardized method. A total of 590 respondents with mean age 30.7 +/- 14.6 years participated in the study. The prevalence of hypertension was 20.2% using the WHO/ISH criteria of SBP > or = 140 mmHg and/or DBP > or = 90 mmHg. Twenty two (18.5%) of the hypertensives were aware of their high blood pressure status. Awareness was higher in females, increased with age and decreased with higher educational status. Of those aware of their condition, 77.3% were on treatment and ofthese, 29.4% had adequate blood pressure control. This study has revealed a low level of awareness of high blood pressure status and control in this rural community. Therefore, there is urgent need for regular community-based hypertension screening programmes.

KAP of HIV prevention and screening among pregnant women attending specialist antenatal clinics in Calabar, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: There is a growing concern globally to reverse the growing incidence of HIV especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study was conducted to determine the level of awareness, attitude and practice of antenatal HIV screening in Calabar. METHOD: Descriptive multi-centric study of 400 antenatal attendees in Calabar, carried out in October 2005 using pre-tested, semi-structured and interviewer-administered questionnaire for data collection. RESULT: Of the 96.7% women with knowledge of HIV infection, 41.2% were assessed to have excellent knowledge of the mode of transmission. Awareness of antenatal HIV screening was observed in 96.2% women; while 93.7% approved of antenatal HIV screening. Awareness and approval of antenatal HIV screening was significantly related to age and educational status. The proportion of women who had HIV test in current pregnancy was 70.2%. Pre-test counseling was done in 65.8% of women. Most women (78.2%) who had not been screened were willing to undergo HIV testing. Spousal disapproval (23.1%) was the main reason for unwillingness to undergo HIV testing. CONCLUSION: The study revealed high levels of awareness, approval and practice of antenatal HIV screening. However, pre test counseling was not consistently given in cases tested.