An Analysis of HIV Prevalence Trends among Antenatal Care Attendees and Associated Factors in Western India (2008-2021).

Abstract

Background: Periodic monitoring of HIV prevalence among antenatal care (ANC) attendees and exploring the factors influencing its transmission is essential to get updated information on the HIV epidemic.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to analyze HIV prevalence trends among ANC attendees in Western India from 2008 to 2021 and identify factors associated with HIV positivity in this population.

Materials and methods: This secondary analysis utilized surveillance data from seven consecutive rounds of HIV sentinel surveillance among ANC attendees in Western India. Trends in HIV prevalence were calculated using the Mantel-Haenszel linear-by-linear χ 2 association test, and logistic regression was used to examine the factors associated with HIV positivity. Statistical analysis was done on IBM Corp. Released 2016. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 24.0. (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.).

Results: HIV prevalence for ANC attendees was 0.4% in 2008 which significantly declined to 0.2% in 2021. Women with spouse/partner residing alone in another place/town (odds ratio [OR]: 1.78, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.42-2.23), spouse involved in local transport/truck driver/helper (OR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.54-2.30), and spouse employed in hotel industry (OR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.41-2.08) were the factors associated with HIV positivity. In the adolescent age group, the second gravida showed a significant increase in HIV prevalence from 0.0% in 2008 to 0.9% in 2021.

Conclusion: The declining trend of HIV prevalence among ANC attendees in Western India highlights the effective program implementation. However, the identified factors associated with HIV positivity provide critical insights for focused preventive interventions.