ABSTRACT
To determine association of risk factors with hepatitis B surface antigen positivity in pregnant women. Case control study. Two years from 2004 to 2006 at Agha Khan University Hospital. A total of 210 subjects including 35 cases and 175 controls were enrolled into study. A detailed history from study subjects was recorded on a performa during antenatal visits. Univariate and multivariate analysis was done using SPSS package. A significant association was observed for the history of at least four injections for minor illnesses in past one year [adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.5; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6, 18.1] and history of blood transfusion [AOR= 6.025; 95% CI: 2.1, 17.1], with HBsAg status of pregnant women. We recommend interventions to improve injection safety and to discourage unnecessary therapeutic injections. There is also urgent need for strict enforcement of regulations for safe blood transfusion. Further research is required to estimate proportion and to evaluate reasons for unnecessary injections in women of reproductive age