Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Its Associated Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Routine Antenatal Clinics in West Hararghe Public Hospitals, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Infection with hepatitis B virus is a serious public health problem worldwide. About 350–400 million peoples are chronically infected and more than 780,000 people die annually due to consequences of hepatitis B virus infection. More than 65 million people are chronically infected in Africa. Mother-to-child transmission is responsible for more than half of chronic Hepatitis B Virus. One in four people with chronic hepatitis B develop serious health problems. Epidemiological data on hepatitis B is necessary to adapt prevention and control measures. However, such data are not readily available in Ethiopia, particularity in study area. Therefore, the objective of the study was to determine hepatitis B virus seroprevalence and its associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in West Hararghe public Hospitals. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 363 pregnant women attending routine antenatal care clinics in West Hararghe public hospitals from April-May 30, 2017. A systematic random sampling method was used to enroll participants. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on risk factors. Blood sample were collected and tasted for Hepatitis B surface antigen by Enzyme Immunosorbent assay. Data were entered using EpiData Version.3.1 and exported to SPSS Version 23.0 for analysis. Descriptive statistical tests and binary logistic regression was used for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed to determine factors associated with Hepatitis B Virus infection. Results: The overall seroprevalence of HBsAg was 22(6.1%) (95% C.I=3.9-8.5) among pregnant women. History of abortion(AOR=4.32, 95% C.I=1.278-14.95), traditional tonsillectomy (AOR=4.36, 95% C.I=1.07-17.82), history of admission to health facility(AOR= 4.41, 95% C.I=1.15-16.89), having multiple sexual partners (AOR=6.30, 95% C.I= 1.69-23.44) and history of liver diseases among family members(AOR=8.24, 95% C.I= 2.07-32.83) were independent factors associated with hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women. Conclusion: The prevalence of hepatitis B virus was high-intermediate epidemic. History of abortion, tonsillectomy, admission to health facility, having multiple sexual partners and history of liver diseases among family members were factors associated with hepatitis B virus infection. Hospitals, districts, towns, and regional health departments should establish programs to educate the community about Hepatitis B virus infection, transmission, risk factors and prevention xi xi methods. Scaling up screening of pregnant women for hepatitis B virus, proper counseling, care and treatment of hepatitis B virus should be recommended. Strategies to prevent mother to children transmission of hepatitis B virus including availability of prophylaxis and birth dose vaccine should need to be adapted.