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Hepatitis B (HBsAg) prevalence among obstetric patients in Caluquembe, Angola, 2023-2024

Anna E Eberwein1, Priscila Ribeiro Cummings1, Daniel Cummings1

  • 1Hospital Evangélico de Caluquembe, Caluquembe, Huíla, Angola.

Plos One
|July 3, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection prevalence was 4.7% among pregnant women in rural Angola. Most were unaware of their status, highlighting the need for HBV screening during antenatal care to protect newborns.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection at birth leads to chronic disease, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death.
  • Birth dose hepatitis B vaccine is crucial for preventing vertical transmission and lifelong illness.
  • Limited data exists on HBV prevalence among pregnant populations in rural Angola.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among maternity patients in Huíla province, Angola.
  • To assess knowledge of hepatitis B and vaccination among pregnant women.
  • To identify barriers and facilitators for HBV prevention in a rural Angolan setting.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective case series study of 317 peripartum women at Hospital Evangélico de Caluquembe (November 2023 - February 2024).
  • Point-of-care HBsAg testing for all participants.
  • Qualitative interviews with 26 healthcare workers regarding HBV prevention strategies.

Main Results:

  • HBsAg prevalence was 4.7% among the studied population.
  • None of the HBsAg-positive women were aware of their infection status prior to the study.
  • Low awareness of hepatitis B and vaccination (one-third familiarity); minimal HBV vaccine uptake in older children.
  • Healthcare workers suggested community meetings for education on HBV and birth-dose vaccination.

Conclusions:

  • Antenatal care visits present a critical opportunity for hepatitis B screening, as over 80% of women attend at least one visit.
  • Integrating HBsAg screening into routine antenatal care is essential for timely intervention and preventing mother-to-child transmission of HBV.
  • Improved access to and uptake of hepatitis B screening are vital to ensure newborns receive timely birth-dose vaccination.
Abstract

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