Proportion of hepatitis B virus infection, vaccine awareness, and coverage among pregnant mothers attending a tertiary care hospital in Odisha - A cross-sectional study.

Background: Knowledge regarding the hepatitis B vaccination is crucial for eliminating hepatitis B. We aimed to estimate the proportion of hepatitis B infection among pregnant mothers attending a tertiary care hospital in eastern India, along with an assessment of knowledge on hepatitis B infection and preventive measures among them. We also aimed to estimate the coverage of the hepatitis B vaccine and the factors responsible for the nonacceptance of the vaccine.

Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional study at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, for a year from 1 May 2017 to 30 April 2018. Study participants were selected from pregnant women coming to the outpatient department (OPD) of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology for routine antenatal check-ups who were willing to participate and consented to the study. A pre-designed, pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data regarding the level of knowledge on hepatitis B infection and vaccination. We also collected venous blood samples for the detection of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg).

Results: A total of 510 pregnant women were recruited for 1 year. The mean age of the study participants was 27.2 years (±4.7 years). Only 2 (0.3%) out of 510 study participants were HBsAg-positive. Around two-thirds of study participants, that is, 324 (63.5%), had heard of hepatitis B. When enquired about the source of information, radio and television were mentioned by 24% of participants. Another 11% mentioned they received information from doctors. Only 12.4 % of participants received the Hep-B vaccine, 85.9% did not, and 1.8% were unaware of their vaccination status.

Conclusion: It was revealed that the proportion of hepatitis B among pregnant women was below the national level. The level of knowledge among the beneficiaries was not satisfactory. Organised health education through mass media has to be enhanced to increase awareness among the general population regarding the hepatitis B vaccination.