Sociodemographic Profile, Contraceptive Practice and Awareness of HIV Infection among Unmarried Postpartum Women in a Tertiary Centre in Malaysia
- Author:
Mustafa KB
;
Noraziana AW
;
Ayu AS
;
Suhaiza A
;
Awang M
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
unmarried mothers, unwanted pregnancies, sociodemography, HIV awareness, contraceptive use
- From:
The International Medical Journal Malaysia
2014;13(2):41-47
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
To describe the sociodemographic profile, contraceptive practice, and awareness of HIV infection
among unmarried post partum women in the biggest government hospital in Pahang. Methods: A cross sectional
questionnaire-proforma-based study was conducted for one year duration from August 2010 until July 2011
by identifying and recruiting all the unmarried women upon admission for delivery. Basic information were
obtained from the use of patients’ case notes, and further related and necessary information were obtained
from a direct face-to-face interview based on a proforma. Results: A total of 121 unmarried women were
identified and recruited. The age ranged from 13 to 36 years with a mean age of 21.6 years. 31.4% were
teenagers. Only 16% of patients have tertiary education, and 2.5% never had any formal education. About one
third of the women were smokers or ex-smokers, 7.5% had consumed alcohol, but none denied ever use of any
recreational drugs. Almost 9% has prior history of being sexually assaulted. About three quarter of the women
never used any contraceptive method. Majority of the patients (85.1%) were aware of HIV transmission risk;
75% never had any antenatal checkup or booked at late gestation (> 20 weeks); and 45.8% were not aware of
any support groups for single mothers. Conclusion: Single unmarried women are associated with disadvantaged
sociodemographic profile. Contraceptive practice was also very low despite significant awareness towards risk
of HIV infection. Further follow up, support and care should be offered to these women.
