Prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Sokoto State

Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a cornerstone of Nigeria's HIV control strategy, yet high-burden states in the North West geopolitical zone continue to report elevated maternal HIV prevalence. This study examines the prevalence of HIV among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) clinics in three general hospitals in Sokoto State, with the aim of identifying epidemiological trends relevant to targeted intervention. A retrospective cross-sectional design will be employed, utilising routine ANC HIV screening records from 2020 to 2024. Data on age, gravidity, gestational age at first ANC visit, and antiretroviral therapy uptake will be extracted and anonymised. ELISA and rapid diagnostic tests performed during routine ANC screening constitute the diagnostic basis of this study. Logistic regression will be used to identify factors associated with HIV positivity. Current national sentinel surveys report ANC HIV prevalence in North West Nigeria at approximately 1.3 percent, though facility-level variation is poorly documented. Results will offer state-level disaggregated data to support the Sokoto State Agency for the Control of AIDS in allocating prevention resources and strengthening PMTCT services. The study also assesses the proportion of HIV-positive women who received timely ART initiation, informing quality improvement in ANC delivery. Keywords: HIV prevalence, pregnant women, antenatal care, Sokoto State, PMTCT