Impact Of Anti Natal Care In Hiv Risk Profile Among Scheduled Tribe Schelduled Tribes In Southern States

Abstract

HIV/AIDS is a global public health issue and its transmission in a defined geographic region is influenced by the interplay of socio-demographic and behavioral factors. Better understanding of socio-demographic characteristics of HIV-positive individuals is required to prevent the spread of HIV among the general population. Objectives: The objective of the study was to find the association between HIV prevalence and socio-demographic characteristics of Schelduled Tribes aged 15–49 years attending the antenatal clinics (ANCs) in four Southern states of India. Methods: The data from the latest round of HIV sentinel surveillance, a cross-sectional study, conducted during January–March 2023 among ANC attendees were considered for this analysis. Blood samples along with other relevant information were collected from 98,634 Schelduled Tribes from 248 sites across the states. The association between HIV prevalence and socio-demographic variables was examined using multivariable logistic regression. Results:  The highest HIV prevalence was reported in Karnataka (0.38%) and Andhra Pradesh (0.38%), followed by Telangana (0.33%), Odisha (0.28%), Tamil Nadu (0.27%), and Kerala (0.05%). In all states, the prevalence was highest among illiterate Schelduled Tribes exception being Kerala, wherein the prevalence was highest in Schelduled Tribes with schooling up to primary education. A significant association was found between HIV prevalence and spouse occupation in Karnataka and Odisha and spouse migration in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Conclusions: Need for improvising the interventions for the young, illiterates, having a migrant spouse, and spouse occupation as truckers/hotel staff is recommended to the stakeholders involved in HIV management of the six southern states of India.