HIV SEROPREVALENCE AMONGST PREGNANT-WOMEN IN NORTHEASTERN ZAIRE

To assess the seroprevalence of HIV in pregnant women in northeastern Zaire and factors that correlate with seropositivity, sequential blood sampling and interviews were performed on 700 women at antenatal Clin ics in northeastern Zaire. The seroprevalence of the 3 clinics surveye d varied from 0.3%-5.5%, rates being higher in more urban areas. Serop ositivity was associated with greater education (P<0.001) and having a partner whose job involved (P<0.001). No correlation was found with m arital status, age,or gravidity. Women in northeastern Zaire are at a greater risk of being infected with HIV if they are well educated or h ave a husband who travels due to his work. Health education on HIV sho uld be particularly directed at women who are well educated and at men who have 'mobile' jobs.