Low level of Hepatitis B knowledge and awareness among pregnant women in the Kintampo North Municipality: Implications for effective disease control

Martha Ali Abdulai,Seth Owusu-Agyei,Frank Baiden,George Adjei

doi:10.4314/gmj.v50i3.7

Martha Ali Abdulai, Seth Owusu-Agyei + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4314/gmj.v50i3.7

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Abstract

Background: Over 2 billion people are infected with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and about 240 million are chronic carriers of the virus. Chronic HBV infection is an important cause of liver cancer. The infectivity of HBV is hundred times higher than the HIV virus yet it receives comparatively little attention in public health. The study assessed knowledge and awareness of HBV among pregnant women in the Kintampo Municipality of Ghana.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in two facilities between September 2010 and November 2010. We performed analysis to determine factors associated with hepatitis B awareness.Results: Forty-one percent of the 504 women were aware of hepatitis B viral infection, 33.5% of the women were able to correctly mention the transmission routes of Hepatitis B. The radio was the most (42%) mentioned source of information on HBV and the least source of information were places of worship (2.7%).After adjusting for other factors, level of education; SSS/SHS and above OR=4.2, P<00.1, 95% CI (2.5, 7.0) and occupation (Civil servant/Student); OR= 3.8, P00.1, 95% CI (1.7, 8.5) were the important predictors of Hepatitis B awareness.Conclusion: There is a low level of knowledge and awareness of HBV among pregnant women in this municipality. This could potentially hamper effective HBV prevention and control in Ghana. Education on hepatitis B need to be included in health promotion activities.Funding: The study was funded by KHRC Director’s small grant Initiative.Keywords: Hepatitis B, knowledge, awareness, women, Ghana

Highlights

Hepatitis B is one of the major global health infectious diseases affecting the liver
Study design and setting We conducted a cross-sectional study in the Kintampo North Municipality of the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana to assess the level knowledge of pregnant women about Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection
We aimed to interview 500 pregnant women and expected that this sample will afford the estimation of the level of knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B with a margin of error of 4%

Summary

Introduction

Hepatitis B is one of the major global health infectious diseases affecting the liver. Over 2 billion people have been infected with Hepatitis. B virus and an estimated 240 million people are chronic carriers of the virus. Chronic hepatitis B infection is a leading cause of cirrhosis, liver cancer and its related deaths. It is estimated that close to one million people die due to cirrhosis and liver cancer every year.[4,5,6]. About 80-90% of infants who are infected during their first birthday develop chronic infections.[6] The main modes of transmission of the hepatitis B virus are through exposure to body fluids like blood, semen or vaginal discharge. The infectivity of HBV is hundred times higher than the HIV virus.[7]

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