International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics
Volume 108, Issue 2 , Pages 108-110, February 2010

Knowledge about HIV infection and acceptability of HIV testing among women delivered in Podkarpackie Province, Poland

  • Grzegorz Raba

      Affiliations

    • Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Provincial Hospital, Przemysl, Poland
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Tel.: +48 605 03 83 95.
    • ,
  • Joanna Skret-Magierlo

      Affiliations

    • Medical Faculty of the University of Rzeszow, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, State Hospital, Rzeszów, Poland
    • ,
  • Andrzej Skret

      Affiliations

    • Medical Faculty of the University of Rzeszow, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, State Hospital, Rzeszów, Poland

Received 25 May 2009; received in revised form 19 August 2009; accepted 17 September 2009. published online 05 November 2009.

Abstract 

Objective

To assess the knowledge of pregnant Polish women regarding the risk of perinatal HIV transmission, the ways to reduce this risk, and the importance of HIV testing in pregnancy, as well as their willingness to be tested for HIV.

Methods

A multicenter survey was conducted with 2123 pregnant women from Podkarpackie Province using a 4-part questionnaire.

Results

Only 15.4% of the women, mainly those with higher education, correctly assessed the risk of perinatal HIV transmission; 61.9% showed adequate knowledge of perinatal HIV transmission, mainly older, well-educated, multiparas residing in towns; and 81.1% declared a willingness to undergo HIV testing, mainly well-educated primigravidas in the 26 to 30years age group residing in towns.

Conclusion

These pregnant women from Poland, where prenatal HIV testing is rarely done, showed a limited knowledge of perinatal HIV transmission but a high willingness to undergo HIV testing.

Keywords: Control and prevention, HIV infection, Perinatal transmission

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PII: S0020-7292(09)00505-0

doi:10.1016/j.ijgo.2009.08.024

International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics
Volume 108, Issue 2 , Pages 108-110, February 2010

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