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Abstract
Prevalence of HIV among women requesting post-abortion care in Edo State, Nigeria
Okpulor R.1, Okonofua F.1, Menakaya U.1, Eguzoro G.1
Introduction: Women requesting post-abortion care may be more likely to practice unprotected sex, and therefore may be at higher risk of HIV. To date, there is limited substantive data on the prevalence of HIV in women experiencing abortion in Nigeria. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of HIV among a cohort of women requesting post-abortion care in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. METHOD: A protocol was designed whereby all women undergoing post-abortion care at the Women’s Health and Action Research Center (WHARC) were offered voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) for HIV. The Center adopted a policy of universal testing for these women, but with opportunity given to those not wanting to be tested to opt out. Testing was with a rapid screening test, followed by confirmation with ELISA. All HIV-positive women were offered treatment and follow-up care afterwards.
Results: Between June 1, 2001 and January 31, 2004, 274 women underwent post-abortion care at the Women’s Health and Action Research Center. Of these, 255 (93.1%) accepted universal testing for HIV. Of the 255 acceptors, 19 (7.5%) proved HIV sero-positive. Among 19 sero-positives, 18 were unmarried; 6 were aged < 20 years; two reported failure of emergency contraceptives; while none had ever used barrier contraceptives.
Conclusions: The results indicate an above national average prevalence of HIV among women seeking post-abortion care in Edo State. Acceptance of HIV testing under a regime of universal testing with the option to opt out is high among women seeking post-abortion care in Edo state. These results are useful for designing programs for the prevention of HIV, and suggest the need to intensify efforts at promoting dual contraceptive use among women in Edo State.
The 3rd IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment
Abstract no.
MoPe10.2P01
Suggested Citation
"OkpulorR., et al.
Prevalence of HIV among women requesting post-abortion care in Edo State, Nigeria.
Poster Exhibition:
The 3rd IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment:
Abstract no.
MoPe10.2P01"
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