ISSN 2736-1594
International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology ISSN 2326-7234 Vol. 7 (1), pp. 001-009, January, 2019. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Assessment of obstetric care for HIV positive women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Alemnesh H. Mirkuzie1,2*, Sven Gudmund Hinderaker1, Mitike Molla Sisay3, Karen Marie Moland4 and Odd Mørkve1
1Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Overlege Danielssens Hus, Årstav. 21, Bergen 5020, +47 45070113, Norway.
2College of Medical and Health Sciences, Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Hawassa University, Awassa, P. O. Box 1560, Ethiopia.
3School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
4Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Bergen University College, Norway.
Accepted 11 September, 2018
Abstract
Despite the importance of safe obstetric practice in reducing mother-to-child HIV transmission and adverse perinatal outcomes, little is known about access to intrapartum obstetric care for HIV positive women. A cohort of HIV positive women were followed to assess the rate of intrapartum transfers and associated adverse outcomes in Addis Ababa. Overall, 282 HIV positive pregnant women were followed, 75% gave birth at Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care facilities, 42% of them transferred between health facilities during the intrapartum period and 36% were transferred two or more times. Sixty four percent of the first time transfers were due to obstetric complications, while all subsequent transfers were due to practical constraints. Women in their second pregnancy were less likely (OR 0.3 95% CI 0.2-0.6) to be transferred than women in their first pregnancy. Transferred women experienced more stillbirths than women who were not transferred. The rate of stillbirths was not significantly associated with the syphilis test result, the CD4 count and initiating antiretroviral therapy. There appeared to be serious challenges within the health care system compromising the intrapartum care for our participants and increasing the risk of stillbirth and MTCT. Undue transfers during the intrapartum period should be addressed at all levels of the health care system.
Key words: Delay, EmONC, Ethiopia, intrapartum, MTCT, stillbirth, transfer, PMTCT.