Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and the development of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are increasing at an alarming rate especially in the sub-Saharan region. Pregnant women susceptible to HIV and its transmission to the fetus provide a unique opportunity for implementing preventive strategy against HIV infection of newborn babies. During the period of August-December 2005 a cross-sectional study was conducted at the Fath-Elrahman Elbashir antenatal clinic, Khartoum Teaching Hospital, to investigate pregnant women's basic knowledge and attitude toward HIV and mother to child transmission as well as voluntary counseling and testing. Pre-tested structured questionnaires were given to antenatal attendants by professional counselors. Their basic socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics were obtained. Respondents' knowledge about HIV and mother to child transmission were tested. In addition, their willingness toward HIV testing was also reported. Out of the 1,005 women investigated, 79% had basic knowledge about HIV. Those who were resident in Khartoum and whose age was > or =26.1 years and their education level was secondary and above were found to be more knowledgeable about HIV. More than half of respondents were aware of mother to child transmission. Older (> or =26.1 years), educated, and working mothers were found to be more knowledgeable about mother to child transmission. Willingness to undergo the test was demonstrated in 72.8% of respondents. However, only 30.3% had the test done. Older women, primigravidae, and Muslims have higher acceptance of voluntary counseling and testing. There is a need to extend the voluntary counseling and testing program in all antenatal clinics. In addition, there is a need to increase the level of education and raise health awareness about HIV and mother to child transmission.

In this study, IPI shorter than 18 months are independently associated with increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes.

Objectives: The aim was to investigate the prevalence of and factors associated with periodontal disease among pregnant Sudanese women. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Antenatal Care Clinic of Saad Abualila Hospital (Khartoum, Sudan) from August to October 2018. Socioeconomic-demographic information and reproductive history were gathered using a questionnaire. Body mass index was computed from the weight and height. The diagnosis of periodontal disease was performed using criterion that also evaluated bleeding upon probing. Results: Four hundred and four women were enrolled in the study, with a mean (SD) gestational age of 30.0 (8.7) weeks. Their mean (SD) age and parity were 27.0 (5.7) years and 1.6 (1.7), respectively. Ninety-seven (24.0%) of these 404 women had periodontal disease, which was mild, moderate and severe in 49 (12.1%), 36 (8.9%) and 12 (3.0%) women respectively, while 307 (76.0%) women had no periodontal disease. In logistic regression, age, parity, education, and brushing were not associated with periodontitis, but lower gestational age was associated with periodontal disease (OR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.99, P = 0.011).

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BackgroundPrevious published studies have reported conflicting results of association between hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and preeclampsia. There was no published data on HBV and preeclampsia in Africa including Sudan. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between HBsAg seropositivity and preeclampsia.MethodsA case –controls study (200 women in each arm) was conducted at Saad Abualila Maternity Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan.The cases were women with preeclampsia and the controls were healthy pregnant women. Socio-demographic characteristics were gathered using questionnaire and HBsAg was investigated using an ELISA.ResultsThere was no significant difference between the cases and the controls in their age, parity, residence, education and blood groups. The majority of the cases were mild preeclampsia (159; 79.5%).In comparison with the controls, a significantly higher number of the cases were HBsAg seropositive [30 (15.0%) vs.12 (6.0%), P = 0.005]. In binary regression women with HBsAg seropositive were at higher risk of preeclampsia than women who were HBsAg seronegative (OR = 2.86, 95%, CI = 1.41–5.79, P = 0.003).ConclusionIn the current study HBsAg seropositivity is associated with preeclampsia. Preventive measure should be implemented.