AEGiS-14IAC: HIV/AIDS and pregnancy among female adolescents in Argentina.

14th International AIDS Conference

Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

HIV/AIDS and pregnancy among female adolescents in Argentina.

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. C10742)

Bianco MB
FEIM, Buenos Aires, Argentina

BACKGROUND: Adolescent pregnancies is a health issue increasing in Argentina since 1970. In 1980 childbirths from adolescent mothers (less than 20 years) was 13,3%, in 1990 grew up to 14,2% and in 1998 to 15,8%. Between 1990 and 98 increased childbirths from adolescent mothers. The growth of poverty in Argentina since 90's contributed to increase pregnancies and HIV infections among female adolescents.

METHOD: A follow up of adolescents in the national AIDS register and the asssociation to pregnancy through sentinel populations studied in Argentina since 1998 was done . The incidence of HIV positive female adolescents were considered and related to other factors influencing adolescents pregnancies in the country, as well as HIV infection in all women.

RESULTS: An increase of AIDS cases in female adolescents was observed since 1990. More than half of them were infected by heterosexual relations and a quarter by UDI's. Among pregnant sentinel group an increase of adolescents (less than 20 years old) was observed. In provinces with high adolescents pregnancies incidence the number of HIV+ women adolescents are higher.

CONCLUSIONS: Special policies and surveillance of HIV infection among pregnant adolescents its necessary. Gender inequalities, traditional and religious values must be addressed.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Infections, HIV Seropositivity, Pregnancy Complications, Infectious, Pregnancy in Adolescence, Poverty, Argentina, Adolescent, Pregnancy, Human, Female, Adolescence

020707
C10742