Risk Factors for Prematurity among Neonates from HIV Positive Mothers in Cameroon

Abstract

Objective: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is the most important chronic health condition among women in childbearing age in sub-Saharan Africa. There is sparse data about socio-economic factors in the context with adverse outcome in pregnancy. The objective of the study was to identify such factors for prematurity, low birth weight (LBW) and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) in infants born to HIV-positive women in Cameroon. Methods: The study was done in Yaoundé between December 2001 and November 2007. Neonates born to HIV-positive mothers were monitored and clinical data as well as socio-economic factors were tested for association with prematurity, LBW and IUGR. Findings: In total, 264 neonates were analyzed. More prematurity occurred when mothers attended less than 4 prenatal care visits (OR [95% CI]: 2.7 [1.21-6.05]; p=0.015). HIV-classification >1 resulted in more IUGR (OR [95% CI]): 3.15 [1.4-7.4]; p=0.01) and LBW (2.20 [1.1-4.6]; p=0.03). Single women were more likely to attend 4 prenatal care visits or more (OR [CI95%]: 2.4 [1.6-3.4]; p<0.001); higher education resulted in better compliance with anaemia prophylaxis (OR [CI95%]: 3.0 [1.5-5.8]; p=0.002) and antimalaria prophylaxis (OR [CI95%]: 2.1 [1.4-3.3]; p<0.001); and was associated with early HIV diagnosis (p=0.003). Conclusion: Prenatal care improves outcome in pregnancy of HIV-positive women. Single mothers compared to women in family settings are more likely to attend prenatal care visits, and HIV was diagnosed earlier in pregnancy in this population. More effort should be put to address women in family settings to early diagnose HIV and to increase compliance with prenatal care

Women's Attitudes Toward Their Partners’ Involvement in Antenatal Care and Prevention of Mother‐to‐Child Transmission of HIV in Cameroon, Africa

“…Education also has been associated with increased use of antenatal care. 30,31 These women's literacy rate (91.9%) was greater than that of women in Cameroon (67.8% for women aged 15 years and older), with over half having some secondary and higher education. This higher educational level certainly contributes to these participant's use of and positive attitudes toward antenatal care.…”

“…Education also has been associated with increased use of antenatal care 30,31 . These women's literacy rate (91.9%) was greater than that of women in Cameroon (67.8% for women aged 15 years and older), with over half having some secondary and higher education.…”

Maternal and fetal outcomes in HIV positive pregnant female

“…It has been shown that women with higher education were significantly more likely to attend prenatal care visit. 15 These potential determinants of poor growth other than HIV infection in mother have to be evaluated more precisely.…”