Knowledge and Attitudes of Women in the Pre- and Postnatal Period on Screening and Mother-to-Child Transmission of the Hepatitis B Virus in Mali.

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major public health problem in Mali, with an estimated prevalence ranging between 8% and 10%. Despite the integration of HBV vaccination into the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), coverage of the birth dose and community awareness remain low. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of women in the prenatal and postnatal periods regarding HBV screening and the prevention of mother-to-child transmission in Bamako. A qualitative exploratory study was conducted among sixteen (16) women aged 22 to 36 years who attended prenatal and postnatal consultations in two referral health centres in Bamako. Data were collected through focus group discussions and analysed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis approach. Results demonstrated that participants had limited knowledge of HBV transmission and prevention. However, they expressed strong trust in healthcare personnel and a high willingness to accept screening, treatment, and neonatal vaccination if offered. The main barriers identified were a lack of health education, weak communication from healthcare providers, and the persistence of traditional beliefs. Despite poor awareness of HBV, the acceptability of preventive measures remains high. Strengthening health education, training healthcare workers, and systematically integrating the HBV birth dose into perinatal care are essential to reduce mother-to-child transmission in Mali.