Seroprevalence and Determinants of Hepatitis B and C Viral Infections Among Pregnant Women Attending Debark General Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

Abstract

Viral hepatitis, caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the hepatitis C virus (HCV), remains a major public health concern among pregnant women due to the risk of vertical transmission and severe maternal and neonatal complications. HBV and HCV infections are characterized by significant morbidity and mortality. This study was aimed at determining the seroprevalence and identifying determinants of HBV, HCV, and HBV-HCV coinfection among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Debark General Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and potential risk factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Five milliliters of venous blood were obtained from each participant to detect HBV antigens and HCV antibodies. Statistical analysis was carried out using descriptive and logistic regression models. Descriptive statistics summarized the findings, and logistic regression identified independent infection predictors. Variables with p ≤ 0.25 in univariate analysis entered the multivariate model, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The total seroprevalence of HBV infection was 5.9%, HCV infection 2.3%, and coinfection with HBV-HCV 1.2%. HBV infection was significantly associated with a history of sharp object injuries, contact with a person infected with HBV, and prior receipt of blood transfusions. HCV infection was significantly associated with sharp object injuries, having multiple sexual partners, and a history of blood transfusion, while HBV-HCV coinfection was associated with multiple sexual partnerships and contact with infected individuals. These results indicate that HBV and HCV remain major public health concerns among pregnant women in Debark. To reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity, routine antenatal screening, expanded coverage of HBV vaccination, adherence to safe medical and injection practices, and targeted evidence-based health education are recommended.