Implications for Health Workers and the Community

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 107 views

Transmission of HIV Infection in Infants from Mothers with Positive HIV who were Born in Adam Malik Hospital Medan from 2009 - 2017

Introduction

The transmission of HIV infection from mother to baby, also known as vertical transmission, is a serious health problem that affects millions of people around the world. In Indonesia, specifically in the Adam Malik Hospital Medan, it was found that babies born to mothers with HIV positive often did not receive adequate treatment. Only about 30% of these babies come regularly until the age of 18 months and receive antiretroviral (ARV) therapy. This alarming rate of transmission has encouraged researchers to investigate the factors that contribute to this problem.

Background

HIV infection is a chronic and potentially life-threatening condition that affects the immune system. If left untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), which can lead to serious health complications and even death. In pregnant women, HIV can be transmitted to their babies during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. This transmission can occur through various routes, including the placenta, during delivery, or through breast milk.

Research Purpose

The primary objective of this study is to identify the characteristics and factors that influence the transmission of HIV infection in infants born by mothers with HIV positive at Adam Malik Hospital Medan during the period 2009 to 2017. This study aims to provide valuable insights into the risk factors associated with HIV transmission from mother to baby, which can inform the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Research Methods

This study employed a descriptive method with a cross-sectional approach. The researchers evaluated the proportion of transmission and the relationship between infants from mothers with HIV positive HIV who were born in Adam Malik Hospital Medan. The samples were taken from populations that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria using the total sampling method. All data collected was then analyzed statistically using the Chi-Square test for normal distribution data and Fisher Exact test for non-normally distributed data. A P-value below 0.05 was considered significant with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Research Results

The results of this study showed that there was an increase in the prevalence of the transmission of HIV infection from mother to baby. The study found that mothers who consume ARVs less than 6 months have a risk of 70.8 times higher to transmit HIV compared to mothers who consume ARVs for 6 months or more. In addition, babies born to mothers with CD4 levels of less than 350 have an increased risk of 25.5 times compared to infants from mothers who have CD4 levels of more than 350. The risk also increases by 1.96 times in patients who experience early amniotic leakage (KPD) compared to those who did not experience KPD, as well as an increase in the incidence of HIV infection transmission by 15.4 times in patients who gave birth with spontaneous labor compared to the Caesarean (SC) method.

Conclusion

The findings of this study highlight the significant relationship between the transmission of HIV infection from mother to baby with several risk factors, namely KPD, ARV consumption is less than 6 months, CD4 levels are less than 350, and spontaneous delivery methods of vaginal. This study emphasizes the importance of better monitoring and handling of mothers with HIV positive to reduce the risk of infection transmission to their babies. With a better understanding of the factors that contribute to this transmission, more effective prevention steps can be applied to protect future generations.

Implications for Health Workers and the Community

This information is crucial not only for health workers but also for the community to be more aware of the importance of appropriate treatment and monitoring for mothers with HIV, for the health of their children. By understanding the risk factors associated with HIV transmission from mother to baby, health workers can provide targeted interventions to reduce the risk of transmission. The community can also play a vital role in promoting awareness and education about HIV and AIDS, which can help to reduce stigma and promote early testing and treatment.

Recommendations for Future Research

This study highlights the need for further research into the factors that contribute to HIV transmission from mother to baby. Future studies should investigate the effectiveness of different prevention strategies, such as antiretroviral therapy and other interventions, in reducing the risk of transmission. Additionally, research should focus on developing more effective and accessible testing and treatment options for mothers with HIV, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the retrospective design. The study also relied on secondary data, which may have limitations in terms of accuracy and completeness. Future studies should aim to address these limitations by using larger sample sizes and prospective designs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the significant relationship between the transmission of HIV infection from mother to baby with several risk factors, namely KPD, ARV consumption is less than 6 months, CD4 levels are less than 350, and spontaneous delivery methods of vaginal. This study emphasizes the importance of better monitoring and handling of mothers with HIV positive to reduce the risk of infection transmission to their babies. With a better understanding of the factors that contribute to this transmission, more effective prevention steps can be applied to protect future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Transmission of HIV Infection in Infants from Mothers with Positive HIV

Q: What is the primary objective of this study?

A: The primary objective of this study is to identify the characteristics and factors that influence the transmission of HIV infection in infants born by mothers with HIV positive at Adam Malik Hospital Medan during the period 2009 to 2017.

Q: What are the risk factors associated with HIV transmission from mother to baby?

A: The study found that mothers who consume ARVs less than 6 months have a risk of 70.8 times higher to transmit HIV compared to mothers who consume ARVs for 6 months or more. In addition, babies born to mothers with CD4 levels of less than 350 have an increased risk of 25.5 times compared to infants from mothers who have CD4 levels of more than 350. The risk also increases by 1.96 times in patients who experience early amniotic leakage (KPD) compared to those who did not experience KPD, as well as an increase in the incidence of HIV infection transmission by 15.4 times in patients who gave birth with spontaneous labor compared to the Caesarean (SC) method.

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: This study highlights the importance of better monitoring and handling of mothers with HIV positive to reduce the risk of infection transmission to their babies. With a better understanding of the factors that contribute to this transmission, more effective prevention steps can be applied to protect future generations.

Q: What are the implications of this study for health workers and the community?

A: This information is crucial not only for health workers but also for the community to be more aware of the importance of appropriate treatment and monitoring for mothers with HIV, for the health of their children. By understanding the risk factors associated with HIV transmission from mother to baby, health workers can provide targeted interventions to reduce the risk of transmission. The community can also play a vital role in promoting awareness and education about HIV and AIDS, which can help to reduce stigma and promote early testing and treatment.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the retrospective design. The study also relied on secondary data, which may have limitations in terms of accuracy and completeness. Future studies should aim to address these limitations by using larger sample sizes and prospective designs.

Q: What are the recommendations for future research?

A: This study highlights the need for further research into the factors that contribute to HIV transmission from mother to baby. Future studies should investigate the effectiveness of different prevention strategies, such as antiretroviral therapy and other interventions, in reducing the risk of transmission. Additionally, research should focus on developing more effective and accessible testing and treatment options for mothers with HIV, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Q: How can individuals reduce their risk of HIV transmission from mother to baby?

A: Individuals can reduce their risk of HIV transmission from mother to baby by:

Getting tested for HIV and receiving treatment if necessary
Taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) as prescribed by their healthcare provider
Avoiding breastfeeding if they have HIV
Getting regular check-ups with their healthcare provider
Staying informed about HIV and AIDS and promoting awareness and education in their community

Q: Where can individuals get more information about HIV and AIDS?

A: Individuals can get more information about HIV and AIDS from:

Their healthcare provider
Local health clinics and hospitals
Online resources, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Support groups and advocacy organizations, such as the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) and the Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+)

Q: What are the next steps for individuals who have been diagnosed with HIV?

A: Individuals who have been diagnosed with HIV should:

Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Start antiretroviral therapy (ART) as prescribed by their healthcare provider
Get regular check-ups with their healthcare provider
Stay informed about HIV and AIDS and promote awareness and education in their community
Consider seeking support from a healthcare provider, support group, or advocacy organization.