Hepatits C Virus Prevalence Among Pregnant Women Living With Hiv/Aids Attending Clinic at Uga, Anambra State, Nigeria

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The study was undertaken to investigate the Hepatits C virus among pregnant women living with HIV/AIDs attending clinic at Uga Aguata. In line with the objectives of the study, two research questions were postulated. Descriptive survey design was used for the study. The population of the study comprised of 50 patients attending clinic at Uga Aguata studied between May 2019 and September 2019. The main instrument used for data collection was structured questionnaires. Samples were screened for hepatitis C viral infection using the rapid one step hepatitis C virus test strip. Those aged 31-40years recorded a higher prevalence of 40% than those in the age group 20-30. The interaction between HIV and hepatitis C affects the transmission and natural history of hepatitis C. People who do not receive HIV treatment are less likely to spontaneously clear their hepatitis infection and have higher hepatitis viral loads and experience more rapid hepatitis disease progression than HIV- negative people. They may also belong to group that are criminalized and stigmatized meaning they are likely to experience barriers to accessing health services. Sexual transmission of HCV is increased by indulging in high risk sexual practices such as men who have sex with men and presence of sexually transmitted diseases.

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