Mother to child HIV transmission rate in Chanthaburi Province.

Abstract

Background : On the basis of governmental program for The Prevention of Mother-To-Child HIV Transmission (PMTCT), it is implied to practice into 4 main activities: giving the antiretroviral drug (ARV) to HIV positive mothers during pregnancy and labor, giving the ARV to their infants and replacement feeding. So, this program is appropriately examined.

Methods : Retrospective study was conducted by reviewing portfolios of HIV positive mothers who labored at all state hospitals in Chanthaburi province [during January 1, 1999 to December 31, 2002] and their infants. Data were analyzed by percentage from the Epi Info program.

Results : 1) Five hundred and four HIV positive mothers were enrolled, 90.08 percent attending prenatal care, 79.96 percent knowing the blood tests before labor,65.48 percent and 65.48 percent receiving the antiretroviral drugs during pregnancy and labor respectively. 2) Five hundred and eight infants of HIV positive mothers were registered, 89.96 percent being vaginally delivered, 82.48 percent receiving the ARV and 95.67 percent formula feeding. Two hundred ninety four (57.87 percent) infants had the blood completely checked at two years and 7.14 percent (95 percent Cl 4.83-11.52) were found HIV positive. 3) Only 261 (51.38 percent)HIV positive mothers and their infants were completely evaluated according to the PMTCT program and HIV transmission rate from mother-to-child was 4.89 percent. (95 percent CI 2.38-9.54)

Conclusion : With the PMTCT program implementation in Chanthaburi province, HIV transmission rate from mother-to-child was reduced to be only 4.89 percent.