Seroprevalence of multiple sexually transmitted infections among antenatal clinic attendees in Gondar Health Center, northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are major health problems in developing countries where access to adequate diagnostic and treatment facilities are very limited. Ethiopia is amongst the countries where STIs are highly prevalent. However, information on seroprevalence of STIs among antenatal care (ANC) attendees is very scarce in the country. OBJECTIVE To determine the seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilitic infections. METHODS A prospective cross-sectional study was performed involving pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Gondar Health Center from August 01 to December 30, 2006. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and sexual behaviors were collected using structured questionnaire. Blood was collected and serum was tested for the presence of HBsAg, antibodies to HIV, HCV and Treponema pallidum. RESULTS Among the 480 ANC attendees, the seroprevalences of HIV, HBV (HBVsAg), HCV and syphilis were 11.9%, 7.3%, 1.3% and 2.3%, respectively. Higher seroprevalence of HIV was observed in age groups of 20-29 (13%) and 30-39 (12.1%) years. ANC attendees from Gondar town had higher seropositivity rate (12.6%) than those who came from outside Gondar (9.4%). Serostatus of HIV was significantly correlated with knowledge of the ANC attendees on curability of HIV infection by treatment (OR, 95% CI: 0.40, 0.19-0.82, P = 0.012) and transmission of HIV by blood and blood products (OR, 95% CI: 2.10, 1.21-3.68, P = 0.009). Co-infection of HBV, HCV and Treponema pallidum with HIV was observed but no statistical association was noted. CONCLUSION The results indicate relatively declined prevalence of multiple STIs in Gondar, and call for the need to strengthen the exiting health education program & screening of all pregnant women for HIV, HBV, HCV infections and syphilis to prevent transmission of the infections in women, their children and the population at large.