Pregnancy outcomes among seropositive and seronegative mothers at Pumwani Maternity Hospital, Nairobi County

Abstract

Globally HIV/AIDS affects more women than men (WHO, 2013). Kenya has experienced high maternal morbidity and mortality rates with mortality being estimated at 488/100,000. HIV/AIDS is listed among the causes of maternal morbidity and mortality, (WHO, 2013). As a result global and local efforts to increase access to HIV care have been intensified. Early initiation and longer duration of antiretroviral therapy among seropositive pregnant women has been shown to improve pregnancy outcomes. (Kendall et al., 2014).There is need to find out the progress made by assessing maternal and fetal outcomes among these mothers. Main objective: The main objective was therefore to establish pregnancy among seropositive and seronegative mothers at Pumwani Maternity Hospital. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed. Data was stored in a password protected computer under safe custody of the principal investigator. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20.Categorical variables were summarized using frequency tables and continuous variables were summarized using measures of central tendency and dispersions. Bivariate analysis was used to compare characteristics and outcomes between seropositive and seronegative mothers. Data findings were summarized using prose. Findings: The study showed no statistically significant differences in terms of maternal and fetal outcomes among the seropositive and seronegative mothers. However seropositive mothers are most likely to visit a public health facility than the seronegative mothers. (P-value=0.038)