Characterization of the rapid test for HIV/AIDS, syphilis and viral hepatitis in pregnant women

Abstract

The epidemiological and social importance of the vertical transmission mechanism for public health is indisputable, and as a strategy to guarantee the integrality of care, rapid testing has been decentralized to basic care. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics of the pregnant women tested for HIV/AIDS, syphilis, hepatitis B and C in Manaus, in the year 2014. It was carried out from secondary data in health units registered and qualified to perform rapid testing. A total of 2,186 female patient records were identified, of which 86.3% were pregnant and 13.7% were not pregnant. Of the 38 units registered and considered suitable, it was found that in 13 (34.2%) the exam was not being collected. Regarding the sociodemographic characteristics, it was identified that 43.1% of pregnant women were between 21 and 40 years of age, 53.6% said they were married and/or in a stable union, and 1/3 had between 8 and 11 years of education, 47.6% were brown. Regarding the behavioral aspects, 52.9% of the pregnant women became aware of the rapid test offered during prenatal consultations, 67.9% declared a sexual preference for men, and an inconsistent condom use with partnerships was predominantly mentioned. Of the 1,886 pregnant women who performed the rapid test, 12 (0.6%) had a positive result for syphilis; 18 (1.0%) for HIV/AIDS; 2 (0.1%) for hepatitis B and 5 (0.3%) for hepatitis C. Thus, the rapid test offered at the time of the reception in the health unit should be highlighted as a strategy to reach a larger share of the assisted clientele.