The Prevalence of HIV Infection Among Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital: A Five-year Review

Effiong Maria Bassey; Udoudom Esther Charles; Eyibio Mary Richard; Elujekwute Michael Chinedu; Matthias Gabriel Abah

doi:doi:10.11648/j.jgo.20261405.12

Research Article |

| Peer-Reviewed

The Prevalence of HIV Infection Among Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital: A Five-year Review

Effiong Maria Bassey, Udoudom Esther Charles, Eyibio Mary Richard, Elujekwute Michael Chinedu, Matthias Gabriel Abah^*

Published in Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics (Volume 14, Issue 5)

Received: 23 September 2026 Accepted: 8 October 2026 Published: 28 October 2026

Views: Downloads:

Download PDF

Share This Article

Twitter
Linked In
Facebook

Abstract

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the body’s immune system and, when undiagnosed and untreated, may lead to adverse consequences. In pregnancy, HIV may lead to many adverse consequences, including mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT). Objective: To determine the prevalence and sociodemographic factors associated with HIV infection among pregnant women receiving antenatal care in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. Methodology: We reviewed the antenatal clinic, voluntary counselling and testing register, and partner notification registers for all booked patients who accessed antenatal care at the facility over five years; extracted, coded, and analysed the data. Results: A total of 9062 new patients registered for antenatal care during the period; 476 were HIV-positive, giving a prevalence rate of 5.3%. Three hundred and sixty-seven (77.1%) of the HIV infected women were already aware of their HIV status and on treatment, while 22.9% were newly diagnosed. Of these, 343 (72.1%) had started antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) before booking for antenatal care, 26.2% started them after diagnosis at booking, and 1.7% declined ARVs; partner notification was 81.3%. Most (70.2%) of the patients were 25-34years, multiparous (45.8%) and married (93.9%). While 11.7% had no formal education, 72.5% had at least a secondary level of education, were civil servants (55.2%), and lived in urban areas (59.8%). Conclusion: The prevalence of HIV infection was high. There is a need for emphasis on primary prevention strategies tailored toward women in the older group aged 25-34 years, partner notification, and ARV acceptance for treatment and Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT).

Published in	Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics (Volume 14, Issue 5)
DOI	10.11648/j.jgo.20261405.12
Page(s)	108-113
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

HIV, Pregnancy, PMTCT

References

[1]	Ozim C, Mahendran R, Amalan M, Puthussery S. Prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus among pregnant women in Nigeria, European Journal of Public Health. 2020 Sept; 30.
[2]	National AIDS/STIs control programme, Federal Ministry of Health, Integrated National guidelines for HIV prevention, treatment and care, 2014. https://files-hivpreventioncoalition.unaids.org/gpc/attachments/national-guidelines-nigeria-2020.pdf
[3]	UNAIDS Press release: Available at: https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/pressreleaseandstatementarchive/2019/march/20190314_nigeria
[4]	Adedokun O, Badru T, Khamofu H, Negedu-Momoh OR, Iwara E, Agbakwuru C, et al. Akwa Ibom AIDS indicator survey: Key findings and lessons learnt. PLoS ONE 2020 15(6): e0234079. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0234079
[5]	Ojukwu, JU. And Ibekwe, PC. Maternal HIV seropositivity and perinatal/neonatal outcome at Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria. Trop J Obstet Gynaecol; 2005, 22(1): 33-37.
[6]	Asindi, AA. And Archibong, AE. Prevention of Perinatal HIV infection in developing countries: Obstacles and possibilities. Postgrad Doc Afr; 2001, 23(3): 50- 53.
[7]	François Dabis, Ehounou René Ekpini. HIV-1/AIDS and maternal and child health in Africa, The Lancet, 2002; 359(9323): 2097-2104. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(02)08909-2
[8]	Abasiattai A. M, Umoiyoho A. J, Udoma E. J, Abasiubong F. S. Ukafia S, Prevalence of HIV infection among antenatal attendees at Uyo Teaching Hospital, Akwa Ibom State, South-South Nigeria, Global Journal of Community Medicine. 2009; 2(1, 2) 47 - 51.
[9]	Adeyemo BO, Gayawan E, Olusile A O, Komolafe IO, Prevalence of HIV infection among pregnant women presenting to two hospitals in Ogun State, Nigeria, HIV & AIDS Review. 2014; 13(3) 90-94.
[10]	Nwaokoro P, Sanwo O, Toyo O, et al. Achieving HIV epidemic control through integrated community and facility-based strategies: Lessons learnt from ART-surge implementation in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria. PLoS One. 2022; 17 (12): e0278946. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0278946
[11]	Farquhar C, Mbori-Ngacha DA, Bosire RK, Nduati RW, Kreiss JK, John GC. Partner notification HIV-1 seropositive pregnant women, infant feeding decisions, Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. 2001; 15(6): 815-817.
[12]	Colombini M, James C, Ndwiga C; Integra team, Mayhew SH. The risks of partner violence following HIV status disclosure, and health service responses: narratives of women attending reproductive health services in Kenya. J Int AIDS Soc. 2016; 19(1): 20766. https://doi.org/10.7448/IAS.19.1.20766
[13]	Visser MJ, Neufeld S, de Villiers A, Makin JD, Forsyth BW. To tell or not to tell: South African women's disclosure of HIV status during pregnancy. AIDS Care. 2008; 20(9): 1138-1145. https://doi.org/10.1080/09540120701842779
[14]	Ekanem EE, Gbadegesin A. Voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) for Human Immunodeficiency Virus: a study on acceptability by Nigerian women attending antenatal clinics. Afr J Reprod Health. 2004 Aug; 8(2): 91-100.
[15]	Olajide, O., Oguntayo, A. and Kolawole, A. (2015) Acceptability of HIV Testing and Counselling by Antenatal Clients of a Tertiary Institution in Northern Nigeria. Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 5, 94-102. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojog.2015.52013
[16]	Preventing Perinatal Transmission of HIV During Pregnancy and Childbirth. HIV and Pregnancy. Updated October 2025. Available at: https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/fact-sheets/preventing-perinatal-transmission-hiv-during-pregnancy-and-childbirth
[17]	World Health Organisation, Mother-to-child transmission of HIV, https://www.who.int/teams/global-hiv-hepatitis-and-stis-programmes/hiv/prevention/mother-to-child-transmission-of-hiv
[18]	Teasdale CA, Marais BJ, Abrams EJ. HIV: prevention of mother-to-child transmission. BMJ Clin Evid. 2011; 2011: 0909. Published 2011 Jan 17.
[19]	Aridoss S, Socio-demographic factors associated with HIV prevalence among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in six Southern States of India: Evidence from the latest round of HIV sentinel surveillance available at https://www.researchgate.net accessed May 2022.
[20]	Adegoke AA, Divine-Anthony O, John OUM. Retroviral seroprevalence and sociodemographic parameters of the ante-natal pregnant women in a pre-tertiary health facility. Obstet Gynecol Int J. 2022; 13(1): 39‒43.

Cite This Article

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Bassey, E. M., Charles, U. E., Richard, E. M., Chinedu, E. M., Abah, M. G. (2026). The Prevalence of HIV Infection Among Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital: A Five-year Review. Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 14(5), 108-113. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jgo.20261405.12

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Bassey, E. M.; Charles, U. E.; Richard, E. M.; Chinedu, E. M.; Abah, M. G. The Prevalence of HIV Infection Among Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital: A Five-year Review. J. Gynecol. Obstet. 2026, 14(5), 108-113. doi: 10.11648/j.jgo.20261405.12

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Bassey EM, Charles UE, Richard EM, Chinedu EM, Abah MG. The Prevalence of HIV Infection Among Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital: A Five-year Review. J Gynecol Obstet. 2026;14(5):108-113. doi: 10.11648/j.jgo.20261405.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.jgo.20261405.12,
  author = {Effiong Maria Bassey and Udoudom Esther Charles and Eyibio Mary Richard and Elujekwute Michael Chinedu and Matthias Gabriel Abah},
  title = {The Prevalence of HIV Infection Among Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital: A Five-year Review},
  journal = {Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics},
  volume = {14},
  number = {5},
  pages = {108-113},
  doi = {10.11648/j.jgo.20261405.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jgo.20261405.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jgo.20261405.12},
  abstract = {Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the body’s immune system and, when undiagnosed and untreated, may lead to adverse consequences. In pregnancy, HIV may lead to many adverse consequences, including mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT). Objective: To determine the prevalence and sociodemographic factors associated with HIV infection among pregnant women receiving antenatal care in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. Methodology: We reviewed the antenatal clinic, voluntary counselling and testing register, and partner notification registers for all booked patients who accessed antenatal care at the facility over five years; extracted, coded, and analysed the data. Results: A total of 9062 new patients registered for antenatal care during the period; 476 were HIV-positive, giving a prevalence rate of 5.3%. Three hundred and sixty-seven (77.1%) of the HIV infected women were already aware of their HIV status and on treatment, while 22.9% were newly diagnosed. Of these, 343 (72.1%) had started antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) before booking for antenatal care, 26.2% started them after diagnosis at booking, and 1.7% declined ARVs; partner notification was 81.3%. Most (70.2%) of the patients were 25-34years, multiparous (45.8%) and married (93.9%). While 11.7% had no formal education, 72.5% had at least a secondary level of education, were civil servants (55.2%), and lived in urban areas (59.8%). Conclusion: The prevalence of HIV infection was high. There is a need for emphasis on primary prevention strategies tailored toward women in the older group aged 25-34 years, partner notification, and ARV acceptance for treatment and Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT).},
 year = {2026}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - The Prevalence of HIV Infection Among Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital: A Five-year Review
AU  - Effiong Maria Bassey
AU  - Udoudom Esther Charles
AU  - Eyibio Mary Richard
AU  - Elujekwute Michael Chinedu
AU  - Matthias Gabriel Abah
Y1  - 2026/10/28
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jgo.20261405.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.jgo.20261405.12
T2  - Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics
JF  - Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics
JO  - Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics
SP  - 108
EP  - 113
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2376-7820
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jgo.20261405.12
AB  - Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the body’s immune system and, when undiagnosed and untreated, may lead to adverse consequences. In pregnancy, HIV may lead to many adverse consequences, including mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT). Objective: To determine the prevalence and sociodemographic factors associated with HIV infection among pregnant women receiving antenatal care in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. Methodology: We reviewed the antenatal clinic, voluntary counselling and testing register, and partner notification registers for all booked patients who accessed antenatal care at the facility over five years; extracted, coded, and analysed the data. Results: A total of 9062 new patients registered for antenatal care during the period; 476 were HIV-positive, giving a prevalence rate of 5.3%. Three hundred and sixty-seven (77.1%) of the HIV infected women were already aware of their HIV status and on treatment, while 22.9% were newly diagnosed. Of these, 343 (72.1%) had started antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) before booking for antenatal care, 26.2% started them after diagnosis at booking, and 1.7% declined ARVs; partner notification was 81.3%. Most (70.2%) of the patients were 25-34years, multiparous (45.8%) and married (93.9%). While 11.7% had no formal education, 72.5% had at least a secondary level of education, were civil servants (55.2%), and lived in urban areas (59.8%). Conclusion: The prevalence of HIV infection was high. There is a need for emphasis on primary prevention strategies tailored toward women in the older group aged 25-34 years, partner notification, and ARV acceptance for treatment and Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT).
VL  - 14
IS  - 5
ER  -

Copy | Download

Author Information

Effiong Maria Bassey

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria
Udoudom Esther Charles

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria
Eyibio Mary Richard

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria
Elujekwute Michael Chinedu

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria
Matthias Gabriel Abah

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Uyo/University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0189-9818

Download PDF

Submit an Article

Sections

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Bassey, E. M., Charles, U. E., Richard, E. M., Chinedu, E. M., Abah, M. G. (2026). The Prevalence of HIV Infection Among Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital: A Five-year Review. Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 14(5), 108-113. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jgo.20261405.12

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Bassey, E. M.; Charles, U. E.; Richard, E. M.; Chinedu, E. M.; Abah, M. G. The Prevalence of HIV Infection Among Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital: A Five-year Review. J. Gynecol. Obstet. 2026, 14(5), 108-113. doi: 10.11648/j.jgo.20261405.12

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Bassey EM, Charles UE, Richard EM, Chinedu EM, Abah MG. The Prevalence of HIV Infection Among Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital: A Five-year Review. J Gynecol Obstet. 2026;14(5):108-113. doi: 10.11648/j.jgo.20261405.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.jgo.20261405.12,
  author = {Effiong Maria Bassey and Udoudom Esther Charles and Eyibio Mary Richard and Elujekwute Michael Chinedu and Matthias Gabriel Abah},
  title = {The Prevalence of HIV Infection Among Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital: A Five-year Review},
  journal = {Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics},
  volume = {14},
  number = {5},
  pages = {108-113},
  doi = {10.11648/j.jgo.20261405.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jgo.20261405.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jgo.20261405.12},
  abstract = {Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the body’s immune system and, when undiagnosed and untreated, may lead to adverse consequences. In pregnancy, HIV may lead to many adverse consequences, including mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT). Objective: To determine the prevalence and sociodemographic factors associated with HIV infection among pregnant women receiving antenatal care in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. Methodology: We reviewed the antenatal clinic, voluntary counselling and testing register, and partner notification registers for all booked patients who accessed antenatal care at the facility over five years; extracted, coded, and analysed the data. Results: A total of 9062 new patients registered for antenatal care during the period; 476 were HIV-positive, giving a prevalence rate of 5.3%. Three hundred and sixty-seven (77.1%) of the HIV infected women were already aware of their HIV status and on treatment, while 22.9% were newly diagnosed. Of these, 343 (72.1%) had started antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) before booking for antenatal care, 26.2% started them after diagnosis at booking, and 1.7% declined ARVs; partner notification was 81.3%. Most (70.2%) of the patients were 25-34years, multiparous (45.8%) and married (93.9%). While 11.7% had no formal education, 72.5% had at least a secondary level of education, were civil servants (55.2%), and lived in urban areas (59.8%). Conclusion: The prevalence of HIV infection was high. There is a need for emphasis on primary prevention strategies tailored toward women in the older group aged 25-34 years, partner notification, and ARV acceptance for treatment and Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT).},
 year = {2026}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - The Prevalence of HIV Infection Among Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital: A Five-year Review
AU  - Effiong Maria Bassey
AU  - Udoudom Esther Charles
AU  - Eyibio Mary Richard
AU  - Elujekwute Michael Chinedu
AU  - Matthias Gabriel Abah
Y1  - 2026/10/28
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jgo.20261405.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.jgo.20261405.12
T2  - Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics
JF  - Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics
JO  - Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics
SP  - 108
EP  - 113
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2376-7820
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jgo.20261405.12
AB  - Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the body’s immune system and, when undiagnosed and untreated, may lead to adverse consequences. In pregnancy, HIV may lead to many adverse consequences, including mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT). Objective: To determine the prevalence and sociodemographic factors associated with HIV infection among pregnant women receiving antenatal care in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. Methodology: We reviewed the antenatal clinic, voluntary counselling and testing register, and partner notification registers for all booked patients who accessed antenatal care at the facility over five years; extracted, coded, and analysed the data. Results: A total of 9062 new patients registered for antenatal care during the period; 476 were HIV-positive, giving a prevalence rate of 5.3%. Three hundred and sixty-seven (77.1%) of the HIV infected women were already aware of their HIV status and on treatment, while 22.9% were newly diagnosed. Of these, 343 (72.1%) had started antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) before booking for antenatal care, 26.2% started them after diagnosis at booking, and 1.7% declined ARVs; partner notification was 81.3%. Most (70.2%) of the patients were 25-34years, multiparous (45.8%) and married (93.9%). While 11.7% had no formal education, 72.5% had at least a secondary level of education, were civil servants (55.2%), and lived in urban areas (59.8%). Conclusion: The prevalence of HIV infection was high. There is a need for emphasis on primary prevention strategies tailored toward women in the older group aged 25-34 years, partner notification, and ARV acceptance for treatment and Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT).
VL  - 14
IS  - 5
ER  -

Copy | Download