Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hepatitis B among Pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Abuja Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria is one of the countries considered as a highly endemic country for hepatitis B, mainly due to perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV). The prevalence of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) carriage in pregnant women is a relevant marker for the risk of mother-to-child HBV transmission. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women visiting antenatal clinics in Abuja Nigeria. A total of 350 pregnant women were screened for hepatitis B virus surface and core antibodies. Out of the screened women, 34(9.7%) were positive for HBsAg while 10(2.9%) were positive for HBsAb. Pregnant women within the age group 25-29 years recorded prevalence of 3.7% HBsAg while 30-34 years had 1.4% HBcAb. Pregnant women with and without history of surgery had prevalence of 4.86% each for HBsAg and 1.43% HBcAb. Pregnant women that share sharp objects had prevalence of 3.43% for HBsAg and 1.14% for HBcAb compared to others. Pregnant women from polygamous homes had a prevalence of 1.7% for HBsAg and 0.29% for HBcAb while women from monogamous had 8% for HBsAg and 2.57% HBcAb. Prevalence of 8.57% for HBsAg and 2.86% for HBcAb was recorded for pregnant women that are non health workers while 1.14% HBsAg only was recorded for health workers. Pregnant women with history of blood transfusion had prevalence of 8% for HBsAg and 2.3% HBcAb while women without history of blood transfusion had prevalence of 1.71% for HBsAg and 0.57% for HBcAb. Statistical analysis (chisquare, t- test and correlation regression) showed no significant relationship between the rates of infection with hepatitis B virus and socio economic factors considered except in age group. HBsAg prevalence observed in pregnant women in Abuja, Nigeria reflects a high risk of HBV perinatal transmission and call for a widespread action for the newborns