Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B virus surface antigen and factors associated among pregnant women in Dawuro zone,...

Hepatitis B is the world's most common serious liver infection. Infection by hepatitis B virus during pregnancy has high rate of vertical transmission and adverse effect on both the mother and child. Data on seroprevalence and associated factors among pregnant women in Dawuro or surrounding was scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess prevalence of hepatitis B virus and factors associated among pregnant women in Dawuro Zone.

Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st April to May 31, 2015 in Dawuro zone. Venous blood was collected, plasma was separated and hepatitis B virus surface antigen was screened using rapid test. Logistic regression was employed with 95% CI and p value of <0.05 was used as statistically significant.

Data were collected on 289 women. The overall prevalence from this study was (p = 3.5%, 95% CI 1.4-5.6%) multivariate analysis using logistic regression showed multiple sexual partner (AOR = 6.923; 95% CI 1.685-28.441), and abortion history (AOR = 4.975; 95% CI 1.21-20.456), were significantly associated with hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) infection.

This seroprevalence was categorized as intermediate endemicity according to WHO classification criteria. Health education on sexual transmission of hepatitis B virus and inclusion of screening hepatitis b virus as routine antenatal care service is recommended.