Survey of Hepatitis B virus infection and risk factors among pregnant women at public hospital in Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B is a global public health problem and a major cause of liver disease, including chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. Pregnant women with hepatitis B virus infection are reservoir for the virus and do have high potential to transmit it to their fetuses and newborns. The objective of the study was to investigatesero-prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen and assesses risk factors among pregnant women in Ethiopia. Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September, 2014 among pregnant women in Ethiopia. A pretested structured questionnaire was employed to collect data on socio-demographic and potential risk factors for HBV infection. Blood sample was collected and tested for the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay kit. Obtained data were evaluated by frequency, logistic regression analyses, and a significance level of 5 % (α = 0.05) was established. Result: Of the total pregnant women, 11(5.4%) of the study participants were positive for HBsAg. Majority (40.1%) of participants were in age group 25-29 years. The prevalence of HBV infection was higher above 20 years of age. Our finding revealed that none of the study participants were aware of their HBV sero-status. Sero positivity for hepatitis B surface antigen was statistically associated with history of abortion (AOR: 6; 95% CI :( 1.39-27.69); P-value: 0.017), surgery (AOR: 5;95% CI: 1.04-24.31; P-value: 0.045) and family history for hepatitis (AOR: 11; 95% CI (1.63 80.44); P-value: 0.014). Conclusion: According to the research findings, there was an intermediate endemicity of hepatitis B virus infection. The finding revealed that history of abortion, surgery and family history for hepatitis were the major risk factors for the high prevalence of hepatitis B infection in the study area. Appropriate, targeted and timely response is mandatory for tackling the harmful health effects of HBV infection/disease.