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Routine human immunodeficiency virus infection screening in unregistered and registered inner-city parturients
M K Lindsay1, T I Feng, H B Peterson
1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|April 1, 1991
Summary
Unregistered women in Atlanta receiving minimal prenatal care showed higher rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and reported more risk behaviors, including drug and crack cocaine use. This highlights a critical need for targeted HIV prevention and screening in this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Limited prenatal care is linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Disadvantaged populations, often lacking care, may have higher human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection risks.
- Data on HIV risk behaviors and prevalence in unregistered inner-city women are scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize HIV infection and risk behaviors among unregistered inner-city parturients in Atlanta.
- To compare HIV prevalence and risk factors between unregistered and registered women.
Main Methods:
- Voluntary HIV antibody screening and risk-behavior questionnaires were offered to all parturients.
- Study conducted at Grady Memorial Hospital from July 1, 1987, to June 30, 1988.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot testing used for HIV confirmation.
Main Results:
- Unregistered parturients had significantly higher HIV seropositivity rates (1.4% vs. 0.4%).
- Unregistered women reported more intravenous drug use (4.4% vs. 1.5%) and crack cocaine use (3% vs. 0.8%).
- A greater proportion of unregistered women acknowledged HIV risk factors (14.3% vs. 9.9%).
Conclusions:
- Unregistered inner-city parturients in Atlanta face a greater risk of HIV infection.
- These women are more likely to engage in behaviors that increase HIV transmission risk.
- Targeted interventions and screening are crucial for this high-risk group.