Sero-prevalence and associated factors of hepatitis B virus infection among antenatal women at booking in a tertiary hospital

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health problem affecting about two billion people worldwide. About 95% of the infection is acquired during the perinatal period. Though studies have been carried out on these in different parts of Nigeria, information regarding the prevalence and risk factors of HBV infection in antenatal clinic attendees in south-south Nigeria is scanty. We determined the sero-prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and the associated factors among pregnant women in south-south, Nigeria.Methods: A retrospective study carried out at the antenatal clinic of Rivers State university teaching hospital (RSUTH) between 1st January, 2015 and 31st December, 2020. At booking visit, 9,990 women were tested for HBsAg. Data was analyzed using the IBM SPSS version 23.0. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: A total of 9,990 women were screened for HBV infection. Prevalence of HBV infection was 160 (1.6%). Age group 30-39 years had most HBV infection, 103 (64.4%). Most who were positive for HBsAg were married 158 (98.7%), traders 45 (28.1%), para 2-4, 65 (40.6%); in their second trimester, 78 (48.8%) and with tertiary level of education 111 (69.3%). Associated factors of HBV infection with statistically significant difference in proportion of HBsAg positives and negatives include gestational age, educational status, occupation, presence of HIV and VDRL.Conclusions: Although the study reveals a low prevalence of HBV infection, continued routine screening for HBV infection is highly recommended.