Prevalence and Determinants of Hepatitis B Virus Antigenemia among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Some Hospitals in Bauchi Metropolis
M. Y. Iliyasu *
Department of Biological Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Nigeria.
M. R. Sahal
Department of Biological Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Nigeria.
T. Inusa
Department of Biological Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Nigeria.
S. Ismail
Department of Biological Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Nigeria.
R. D. Umar
Department of Biological Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Nigeria.
H. Tahir
Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, ATAP, Bauchi, Nigeria.
Z. M. Kabeer
Biology Department, School of Science, Aminu Saleh College of Education, Azare, Bauchi State, Nigeria.
H. S. Musa
National Health Insurance Schemes, Bauchi State Office, Nigeria.
N. A. Isah
Maternity complex, Infectious Diseases Hospital, Bayara, Bauchi state, Nigeria.
U. A. Mikaeel
Department of Biological Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Hepatitis B virus infection is a significant public health problem in the world and is more common among most vulnerable individuals such as pregnant women in developing countries.
Design and Duration: This is a cross-sectional study involving pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in some hospitals in the Bauchi metropolis, from January 2021 to February 2022.
Aim: The aim of this study is, therefore, to assess the seroprevalence and determinants of the hepatitis B virus among pregnant women attending some hospitals in Bauchi Metropolis, Nigeria.
Materials and Methods: A total of 394 blood specimens were collected from the fingertip of the randomly selected pregnant women. A structured questionnaire was administered and interviews were conducted for data collection. The participants were screened for HBsAg status by the rapid diagnostic test.
Results: The overall prevalence of the disease was 11.7% (46 of 394). The infection was more common (39.1%) among the women in the 31 to 35 years age group, followed by 23.9% (26-30) years. The majority are married (67.4%), business owners (30.4%), then civil servants (26.1%), and had attended tertiary education (52.1%). The highest frequency (63.0%) was found among the antenatal women at primiparous and mainly (50%) started visiting in the 3rd trimester, with 2 children as the highest number of live births (45.7%). Risk factors analysis revealed that most of the women positive (78.3%) have no history of previous surgery, or blood transfusion (61.20%). but 52.2% are co-infected with HIV/AIDS.
Conclusion: This study found a relatively low prevalence of HBV infection (11.7%) among pregnant women in this area, but it was very high, especially among the unvaccinated and those co-infected with HIV.
Keywords: Hepatitis, pregnant women, antenatal, maternal blood