Seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus and various risk factors responsible for spread of human immunodeficiency virus in pregnant women in Jammu, India

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is increasing at an alarming rate among pregnant women in various parts of India. Purpose of present study is to investigate the seroprevalence of HIV infection in Jammu region of India and to trace various risk factors responsible for its spread. Another objective is to look for strategies which can be adapted to curtail transmission of this dreadful infection. Methods: Pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of Government Medical College and Hospital, Jammu (India) from October 2013 to September 2014, were counseled and those who agreed to undergo testing, were subjected to HIV testing by ELISA method. Pre-designed and post-testing questionnaire was used for collecting the data. In addition, all the unbooked HIV positive patients, who were directly admitted in labor ward and delivered in this hospital during this period, were also included in the present study. Results: Out of 17918 women attending the antenatal clinic, 5695 agreed for HIV testing at ICTC (integrated counseling and testing center), SMGS hospital and only 5 cases were confirmed positive. Prevalence rate of HIV positivity was found to be 0.088%. Majority of women were between 21-25 years of age, primigravidas, from rural background, lower middle class and spouses of laborers/drivers. Conclusions: Seroprevalence of HIV in Jammu region is relatively low when compared to the national figures. More attention is to be focused on the risk factors to control the transmission of HIV infection.