RISK-FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH PREVALENT HIV-1 INFECTION AMONG PREGNANT-WOMEN IN RWANDA

This study evaluated risk factors associated with prevalent HIV-I infe ction among pregnant women in a semi-rural but densely populated area surrounding the town of Butare in Rwanda. Overall seroprevalence was 9 .3% in 5690 pregnant women who sought antenatal care at one of five he alth centres. Factors associated with higher seroprevalence of HIV-1 i ncluded history of multiple sexual partners, history of at least one s exually transmitted disease (STD), relatively high socioeconomic statu s (SES), being unmarried, young age at first pregnancy, and low gravid ity. Women who had used oral contraceptives, smoked more than one ciga rette per day, whose partners were circumcised, and had had sex to sup port themselves were also at higher risk of being infected. A history of blood transfusion in the past 5 years was not associated with HIV-1 infection. History of multiple sexual partners, history of STD, high household income, partner circumcision, and past oral contraceptive us e remained strongly associated with HIV-I infection even when sim ulta neously controlling for other covariates. Among legally married women who lacked sexual behaviour risk factors, history of STD, high SES, yo ung age at first pregnancy, and low gravidity were significantly assoc iated with HIV-1 seroprevalence.