Abstract

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) constitute a significant public health challenge globally, with substantial medical, social, and economic consequences, particularly among pregnant women. Infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and syphilis may result in significant maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Objective: This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis, as well as their co-infections, among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara. Methods: A five-year retrospective study was conducted among pregnant women who attended the antenatal clinic at DELSUTH, Oghara, from January 2017 to December 2021. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and screening test results were extracted from antenatal records using a pretested data extraction form. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Chi-square test was used to assess associations between categorical variables, while binary logistic regression was used to identify predictors of HIV infection. Statistical significance was set at p < .05. Results: A total of 515 antenatal records were reviewed. The seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis was 9.5% (29/305), 3.0% (9/305), 1.3% (4/305), and 0.0% (0/305), respectively. HIV/HCV co-infection occurred in 0.3% (1/305) of the women. Educational level and occupation were identified as significant determinants of HIV infection. Conclusion: HIV had the highest seroprevalence among the infections investigated, while syphilis was not detected among the women studied. The findings highlight the importance of continued routine screening for STIs during antenatal care and targeted interventions for pregnant women at increased risk of HIV infection.

Key words: Sexually transmitted infections; HIV; hepatitis B virus; hepatitis C virus; syphilis, pregnant women, seroprevalence; antenatal care.