KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES OF PREGNANT WOMEN TOWARD HIV AND SYPHILIS TESTING AT MEDAN JOHOR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER

Abstract

Pregnant women are among the groups most at risk of contracting Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Syphilis. The risk of mother-to-child transmission is estimated at 20–45% for HIV/AIDS and 69–80% for Syphilis. Transmission of these infections from mother to child contributes significantly to morbidity, disability, and mortality rates. This study aimed to determine the relationship between pregnant women’s knowledge and attitudes toward HIV and Syphilis testing at the Medan Johor Community Health Center in 2025. A cross-sectional research design was used, focusing on one-time measurement or observation of the study variables. The study population comprised all pregnant women attending the Medan Johor Community Health Center in 2025, totaling 50 individuals, all of whom were included using a total sampling technique. Data analysis was performed using the Chi-Square test with SPSS software. The findings revealed that most pregnant women had good knowledge about HIV and Syphilis (30 respondents) and positive, accepting attitudes toward testing (39 respondents). HIV and Syphilis test results showed that 49 respondents were non-reactive, while only one respondent tested positive for both infections. Statistical analysis indicated a significant relationship between knowledge and HIV–Syphilis testing (p-value = 0.023 < 0.05). The results of this study may serve as an educational reference for future pregnancies, emphasizing the necessity for pregnant women to undergo HIV and Syphilis testing at least once during the first or third trimester.