TITLE:
Syphilis and HIV Infection among Pregnant Women Previously Screened Negative during Their First Antenetal Care Visit (ANC) at Some Selected Health Facilities in the Buea Health District, Cameroon
AUTHORS:
Mbanya Gladice Mbanya, Njunda Anna Longdoh, Hermann Ngouakam, Simon Eyongabane Ako
KEYWORDS:
Syphilis, HIV, STI, Pregnant Women, Post First-Antenatal Care, Screening, ELISA, Buea
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.11 No.7,
July
11,
2023
ABSTRACT: Syphilis and HIV are amongst the world’s most widespread diseases, particularly in low-income countries. Syphilis and HIV infections during pregnancy have been associated with numerous adverse pregnancy outcomes. Of concern now are the rising rates of congenital syphilis and HIV in Cameroon. Cameroon only mandates testing pregnant women for syphilis and HIV during their first ANC visit. This study was aimed at determining the incidence of new syphilis and HIV infections and factors associated with pregnant women who previously tested negative during their first ANC visit. A cohort design was used, where 335 pregnant women were followed up for a period from December 2019 to August 2020. A blood sample was drawn and the serum was analyzed using the WANTAI ELISA and AIDTM HIV 1 + 2 Ag/Ab ELISAPlus test methods for syphilis and HIV respectively at three intervals. A questionnaire was used to identify risk factors. Data was analyzed using SPSS 23.0. Out of the 335 pregnant women who were followed up during this study, 49 (14.6%) were later diagnosed with syphilis (32 in 2nd trimester and 17 in 3rd trimester). 54 (16.1%) were diagnosed with HIV infection (13 at two months post-1st-trimester visit, 23 in the 2nd trimester and 18 in the 3rd trimester). Lastly, 10 (2%) were co-infected with syphilis and HIV of which 8 occurred during 2nd trimester and 2 in the 3rd trimester. The factors associated with contracting new syphilis infections include; younger age group aOR (1.302, 95% CI), leaving in an urban area aOR (3.158, 95% CI), lower level of education (Primary and no formal) with aOR of (9.055, 95% CI) (P = 0.001) and (6.764, 95% CI) (P = 0.006) respectively, inadequate knowledge on the diseases aOR (2.176, 95% CI), women unaware of their partner status aOR (3.190, 95% CI). Most factors associated with contracting new HIV infections were similar to the factors associated with contracting new syphilis infections post 1st ANC visit aOR (1.174, 95% CI) and pregnant women with more than one sexual partner aOR (7.342, 95% CI) were observed for HIV infection.. There is an increased incidence of new infection of syphilis and HIV post first ANC screening in the Buea Health District, Cameroon. The need for constant education on the identifiable factors and these diseases, and screening during every ANC visit irrespective of their previous laboratory results is warranted.