CHARACTERIZATION OF HIV PREGNANT WOMEN IN THE STATE OF PARAIBA, 2008 - 2012

Abstract

Objective: To characterize the epidemiology of HIV-positive pregnant women registered in the National Reporting Information System (SINAN) in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. Material and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive epidemiological study using data from the Health Department of the State of Paraíba (SINAN). The population was composed of all the reported cases of pregnant women infected with HIV diagnosed between January 2008 and December 2012. Results: We found 237 reports of HIV-positive pregnant women, Afrocaucasian, aged 20 to 29 years old, housewife, with incomplete primary education, living in the urban area. Prenatal care was performed in 89.0% of cases and laboratory evidence of HIV was obtained before or during prenatal care in 77.48% of the cases. A total of 188 child births were reported in the state of Paraíba. Prophylaxis at the time of birth was performed in 63.3% of women and chemoprophylaxis of the neonate during the first 24 hours in 72.2%. Conclusion: HIV infection in pregnant women affects young and low educated women. There was a trend of progressive dissemination of HIV infection towards the inner cities of the state, which are far from metropolitan areas. Prenatal coverage and diagnosis are accessible to most women. The supply of antiretroviral agents to pregnant women at delivery and newborn accounts for nearly 80% of cases, which should be expanded in order to eradicate vertical transmission. DESCRIPTORS HIV. Pregnant Women. Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical. Epidemiology.