Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Attendees of Antenatal Care Clinics at Primary Health Care Centres in North-Central, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a Hepadnavirus that infects liver cells, and causes an infectious disease of global significance. Several factors predisposes to HBV infection, some of these are peculiar to pregnant women, and infection in them could lead to maternal to child transmission of the disease.

The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors for hepatitis B Virus infection among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic (ANC).

Material and Methods: This hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted among 340 pregnant women attending antenatal care between February and March 2024. The respondents were selected using multistage sampling technique and interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaires were used to obtain information from them, after which blood samples were collected for HBsAg detection. Data was collated and analyzed using the Statistical Product and Service Solutions version 28 (SPSS-28).

Results: Respondent’s age ranged from 18 to 44 years with a mean of 25 ± 5.45 years. The majority were between 20-24 years of age. The prevalence of HBV infection in the study was 12.6%. The factors found to have a statistically significant association with prevalence of HBV infection were: age, family type, previous blood transfusion, multiple sexual partner, previous hospital procedure, having a spouse with HBV infection, history of abortion, previous check of HBV status and previous result of HBV infection status.

Conclusion/Recommendations

The prevalence of HBV infection is increasing in our community and certain factors have been identified as determinants. There is a need to address risk factors. More efforts needs to be put towards preventive strategies such as increased awareness and routine screening among others. These will help to ensure adequate prevention and control of the disease.