Sero-prevalence of hepatitis B virus and associated factors among pregnant women in Gambella hospital, South Western Ethiopia: facility based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a hepatotropic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) virus which causes death. More than 300 million people have chronic liver infections globally and about 600,000 people die annually from acute or chronic complications of hepatitis B infection. Recent studies conducted in Ethiopia showed moderate endemicity (3-7.8%) of HBV among pregnant women. However, there is paucity of information on sero- prevalence of HBV and associated factors among pregnant women at Gambella town. The aim of this study is to assess sero-prevalence of hepatitis surface antigen (HBsAg) and associated factors among pregnant women in Gambella Hospital.

METHODS: Hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted in a total of 253 pregnant women from March 10-April 15, 2017. Socio-demographic characteristics and risk factors were collected through face to face interview using structured questionnaire. HBV infection was determined using Eugene strip test. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine association between HBsAg sero-positivity and various factors. Findings were presented using 95% CI of Crude Odds Ratios (COR) and Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR).

RESULT: The overall sero- prevalence of HBV infection was 7.9% (95% CI, 4.7-11.9), which indicates intermediate endemicity. History of abortion (AOR = 3.56:1: 95% CI, 1.24-10.22), occupation (AOR = 8.36:95% CI, 1.67-41.96) and multiple sexual partner (AOR = 17.38: 95% CI, 4.48-67.49) had statistical significant association with HBsAg sero-positivity.

CONCLUSION: HBV sero-prevalence in pregnant women shows intermediate endemicity. Hence health education on having single sexual partner and risk factors of abortion should be given. In addition, routine screening and immunization of pregnant women for HBV infection should be strengthen.