Prevalence and Factors Associated with Hepatitis B Among Pregnant Women Attending Anc at Kiryandongo General Hospital.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Hepatitis B infection is still a global healthcare problem, especially in developing countries. The common routes of transmission of the virus are body fluids such as blood, semen, and vaginal secretions plus vertical transmission from a pregnant woman to her child (Pyrsopoulos, 2017). Hepatitis B (HB) is a serious viral infection affecting the liver and is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is infectious and the most common cause of chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepato-cellular carcinoma (Lee Goldman, 2016). Hepatitis B virus infection, especially among pregnant women is a global health concern. The virus causes acute or chronic inflammation of the liver known as hepatitis. Chronic hepatitis can complicate into liver cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma (Dan Longo, 2013). The prevalence of the virus among pregnant women has been increasing to alarming levels over the past few years. This is especially so in developing countries where disease surveillance, screening and treatment are not up to the standards recommended (Global hepatitis report, 2017). The data on the prevalence and risk factors of HB infection among pregnant women attending Antenatal care (ANC) at Kiryandongo General Hospital (KGH) was lacking and thus the study aimed at assessing the prevalence and risk factors of Hepatitis B Virus infection among pregnant women at KGH from August 2018 to February 2019. Objective: To assess the prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B among pregnant women attending ANC at Kiryandongo General Hospital. Method: Descriptive cross-sectional study with both qualitative and quantitative approach was used. A total of 188 pregnant women on their ANC visit were tested for HBV. Results: A total of 188 pregnant women were tested for hepatitis B over the study period out of whom 23 tested positive. This amounted to a prevalence of Hepatitis B among pregnant women of 12.23%. Conclusion: The knowledge level of pregnant mothers concerning Hepatitis B was very low as to warrant urgent intervention. The prevalence of HBV among pregnant women was of 12.23% was higher than previous studies conducted within the region and elsewhere and also demand urgent interventional measures. The significant risk factors for Hepatitis B infection among pregnant women were HIV seropositivity, previous history of STIs, young age at sexual debut and early pregnancy, and history of multiple sexual partners.