Prevalence and associated factors of HIV infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care at the Yaoundé central hospital

Background: HIV infection affects millions of people worldwide, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Transmission occurs by several means including the transmission from mother to child. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with HIV infection in women attending antenatal care at the Yaoundé Central Hospital.Methods: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study at the Obstetrics and Gynecologic Unit of the Yaoundé Central Hospital from 6th October 2015 to 30th June 2016. The sampling was consecutive. We included 360 pregnant women. Testing was done by a sensitive test and a specific test if the first was positive. Data analysis was done through Excel 2007 software EpiData Analysis Version 3.2 and STATA version 12.0 (Texas USA 2001). Statistical significance was accepted for a value of P <0.05.Results: The average age of our population was 27.99±5.63 years, ranging from 15 and 47 years. HIV prevalence in this population was 13.1% (47/360). Factors associated with HIV were the primary level of study (OR=7.97; 95% CI=2.23 to 28.49, P=0.001) and multiple sexual partners (OR=4.82; CI 95%=2.24 to 10.38, P=0.002).Conclusions: HIV prevalence in pregnant women at the Maternity of HCY is 13.1%. The low level of education and multiple sexual partners were significantly associated with HIV infection. We suggest the education of the girls who is a key factor in the empowerment of women