Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Ante Natal Care services at Nekemte Town Public Health Facilities, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Viral hepatitis is an emerging global health problem. A pregnant woman infected with the Hepatitis B virus has a high rate of vertical transmission, causing adverse fetal and neonatal outcomes. Understanding the magnitude of the problem and associated factors has paramount importance to avert such adverse fetal and neonatal outcomes. So, the main aim of this study was to assess the Sero-prevalence of hepatitis B virus and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics at Nekemte town public health facilities. Methods: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among 277 pregnant women attending Antenatal Care at Nekemte town public health facilities from June 1 to July 30, 2020. All public health institutions in Nekemte town (two hospitals and one health center were taken and the study participants were selected by using a systematic sampling technique. The data were collected using pretested and structured questionnaires using a face-to-face interview and a blood sample was collected to test for hepatitis B surface antigen. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors significantly associated with hepatitis B virus infection. Variables with a p-value <0.05 were considered statistically significant predictors of the outcome variable. Results: The overall Sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus infection was 16 (5.8%) [95% CI: 3.2-8.7] which indicates intermediate endemicity. History of abortion (AOR=6.155; 95% CI: 1.780, 21.291), history of contact with hepatitis patient (AOR=7.178; 95%CI: 1.702, 30.279), and having multiple sexual partners (AOR=6.788; 95%CI: (1.701, 27.086) had a statistically significant association with hepatitis B surface antigen Sero-positivity. Conclusion: Hepatitis B Virus Seroprevalence among pregnant women in this study shows intermediate endemicity. Therefore, health education on the risk of having multiple sexual partners, unprotected contact with hepatitis patients, and abortion should be given.