HIV and Syphilis Serostatus of Antenatals in Traditional Maasai Pasturalist Communities in Kajiado District, Kenya: 1989–1992

Abstract

Although much research has been carried out on high risk populations, little is known about HIV prevalence in traditional rural communities who limit contact with other tribes, non-traditional tribesman and Europeans. This study considers traditional Maasai living near a high HIV transmission area. A time series analysis assessed the trend of HIV-1 and syphilis prevalences in the study area. Data consist of antenatal blood specimens ( n = 2082 women) collected during 1989–1992. An estimated 100% of pregnant women residing in the study areas are included in the study. Standardized HIV-1 prevalences among women for 1989–1992 ranged between 0.95% and 2.23%. A χ2 test for trends was not significant, analysis of age-specific prevalences revealed no significant result. Standardized syphilis prevalence varied from 1.89% to 12.82% during the 3 years. Prevalence declined in 1990, but increased significantly thereafter. A steep 1992 increase in syphilis was not associated with an increase in HIV. Chi square test for trends for age-specific syphilis was not significant. In 2082 samples only one woman was positive for both HIV and syphilis. In 4 years no increase in HIV prevalence was detected among traditional Maasai woman living near a high transmission area. No significant variation across ages was detected. However, syphilis increased sharply in one time period, 1992. Despite the low HIV prevalence among Maasai, the higher prevalence of syphilis suggests that the HIV epidemic is at an early phase and may increase soon. It may also suggest that HIV does not yet have a high prevalence at markets where Maasai sell their herds, but is concentrated at truck stops.