HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention Practices among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Bangladesh

Background: HIV/AIDS remains a major global health concern, with marginalized groups in Bangladesh, such as injecting drug users, experiencing higher infection rates. This study aims to assess the awareness and prevention practices related to HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Bangladesh. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to evaluate the awareness and prevention practices related to HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Bangladesh. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Public Health and Informatics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, from January to May 2016, among 60 pregnant women attending antenatal care to assess HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention practices. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Verbal consent was obtained, and confidentiality maintained. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Results: Among 60 pregnant women, most were aged 26-30 years, illiterate (57%), housewives (65%), and from joint families (71.7%). Awareness of HIV transmission was highest for sexual intercourse with infected partners (90%). Knowledge of mother-to-child transmission (6.7%) and prevention practices like condom use (20%) was low. Misconceptions existed about transmission via utensils (36.7%) and mosquito bites (28.3%). Media exposure was high for television (90%) and outdoor media (80%), with limited participation in HIV/AIDS programs (5%). Conclusion: Targeted antenatal education is needed to address HIV/AIDS awareness gaps, especially on mother-to-child transmission and condom use, among pregnant women in Bangladesh.