Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection of pregnant
women causes significant maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, with
some strains much worse than others. HBV is transmitted through blood and body
fluids. The infection causes acute or chronic liver diseases, which are a
global public health concern. An estimated 257.5 million people were
chronically infected worldwide in 2022, with 1.2 million new infections yearly.
Its overall prevalence is around 3.2% which varies significantly by region,
with the highest prevalence in the Western Pacific and African regions. Nigeria
is still considered one of the highly endemic countries with an estimated
prevalence of around 9.5% to 13.6% with Nasarawa State in the central region.
Aim: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence
and correlates of infection among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic
(ANC) at Primary healthcare facilities in Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
Methodology: Three hundred and thirty-eight (338)
participants were enrolled in this cross-sectional study using a systematic
sampling method. Blood samples were collected by venipuncture, processed, and
tested using a combo kit with five Sero-markers of HBV. Statistical Package for
Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27 software was used for analysis.
Results: The prevention of HBV infection among pregnant
women remains a major source of concern because of the risk of horizontal and
vertical transmission of the disease. The findings showed the prevalence of HBV
in this study was 8.3%. Only 12.7% had immune antibodies, while 0.6% showed
evidence of occult HBV infection. Age group ≤ 25years (P = .03) was
significantly associated with the infection. Higher prevalence was found among
women who are polygamists (12.5%), Christians (8.7%), Single (20.0%), had only
a primary level of education (9.5%), in Business (16.0%), and whose husbands
are farmers (12.2%).
Conclusion: The prevalence of HBV in this study was 8.3%.
The younger age group were associated with HBV infection in the study area. The
low number of women with immunity raises a need to advocate for HBV screening
and vaccination campaigns in Nasarawa State and Nigeria, while the presence of
occult HBV infection raises concern of possible mother-to-child transmission if
intervention is not provided. Enhanced HBV infection sensitisation, routine
screening at ANC, early vaccination and youth-focused prevention strategy in
the community are recommended. The findings in this study are limited by the
absence of molecular confirmation of the results, which requires future
studies.
Author(s) Details
Samuel Ebuga
Emiasegen
Department of Planning, Research, Monitoring and Evaluation, Nasarawa State
Primary Health Care Development Agency, Nigeria.
Grace Rinmecit Ishaku
Pennap
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences,
Nasarawa State University, Nigeria.
Silas Dogara Gyar
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences,
Nasarawa State University, Nigeria.
Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/msup/v2/6432
