Screening in the Birth Room of Parturients with Unknown Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Serological Status at the Reference Health Center of Commune IV of the District of Bamako

Introduction: In order to prevent the vertical transmission of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), it is essential that pregnant women must know their HIV serological status. Objective: To determine the proportion of parturients with unknown Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) status in the delivery room and to identify the associated factors. Methods: We conducted a prospective descriptive study carried out at the Reference Health Center of Commune IV in the district of Bamako from July 1, 2017 to July 1, 2018. The sample size was 267 parturients. The word processing was carried out on World software from the 2016 office suite at the end of the data entry and analysis was carried out on the IBM software, SPSS version 22.0. Results: A total of 267 women were eligible for our study, among which 14 parturients were seropositive, i.e., a proportion of 5.2% of cases. The knowledge of parturients on HIV was 95.5% of cases, but more than half did not know the mode of mother-child transmission. Unschooled parturients were the most represented with 41.2%. Conclusion: In view of the large proportion (5.2%) of HIV-positive parturients in our study, voluntary screening activities in the delivery room remain necessary for the future of children born to HIV-positive mothers.

Prevalence and Predisposing Factors of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection among the Boda-Boda Riders in Mbarara Municipality-Uganda

Background: Boda-Boda is a well-known and booming motorcycle taxi that employs youths to earn a living. They transport passengers at a faster rate where other means of transport are inaccessible or would be time consuming. Global statistics show that HIV has continued to be a major global Public Health issue especially among the “Most At-risk Populations” (MAPs) that include commercial transporters and Boda-Boda riders. Aim: This study aimed at assessing the prevalence and predisposing factors for HIV/AIDS among Boda-Boda riders living in Mbarara Municipality. Specifically, the study determined the prevalence of HIV among the Boda-Boda riders, identified social demographic predisposing factors for HIV and determined knowledge of Boda riders on prevention of HIV. Study setting: Boda-Boda operators in the transport sector are at high risk of HIV infection but the HIV status of the Boda Riders in Mbarara was not known a reason why the study was instituted: Study design: This was an analytical and descriptive cross-sectional study that employed quantitative methods of data collection. The study population comprised the registered Boda-Boda operators from two divisions of Kakoba and Kakiika in Mbarara municipality. Sample size and sampling methods: Using Morgan’s table (1970), the population of the registered Boda Riders was 15,041;this corresponded to a sample size of 375 respondents by Morgan Table. Systematic sampling procedure was used to get every 3rd registered rider on the list. Data collection: A pre-tested structured tool aided data collection after group pretest counseling. Individual counseling was also done prior to testing and giving results. The laboratory technologists drew blood to determine the sero-status of the respondents. Results were recorded as tested reactive (TRR) or tested non-reactive (TR). Unigold was used as tie breaker to confirm their diagnosis in order to ascertain those who were HIV positive on determine. Data analysis: Analysis was done at univariate, bivariate and multivariate using STATA version 13, Statistical significance of the relationship was determined for the p-value (p ≤ 0.05). Significant variables were then considered at multivariate level of analysis. Results: More than half 195 (52%) of the Boda-Boda cyclist had attained primary level of education and 36.5% secondary education. HIV prevalence among Boda-Boda riders was 9.9%. Riders who had never heard of VCT/HCT screening for HIV were three times likely to acquire HIV compared to those who ever heard of VCT/HCT screening (OR = 3.35;95% CI 1.14 9.83;p = 0.027). Those with multiple partners were six times more likely to acquire HIV/AIDS compared to those who buy sex from prostitutes (OR = 6.13;95% CI 1.54 24.38;p = 0.01). The level of awareness of VCT was found high at (94.7%), and the general knowledge about utilization and importance of VCT services was at 80%, however condom use as a preventive measure was found low at 44.3% among the respondent Boda-Boda riders. Conclusion: Boda-Boda riders had high HIV prevalence of 9.9% compared to that of Mbarara district at 6.1% and much higher than 5.7% national HIV prevalence level. The predisposing factors to acquire HIV/AIDS were having multiple sexual partners, not having heard of HIV counseling and testing as well as low and inconsistent condom use at 44.3%. The study recommends health service providers and HIV counselors to intensify awareness and behavior change campaigns on condom use among the Boda-Boda riders as preventive measure against HIV.