The prevalence of hepatitis B among pregnant women in Cirebon Regency during COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought tremendous impact on healthcare, including screening for hepatitis B in pregnant women. Of 19,234 pregnant women, there were 2.38% identified as hepatitis B in 2017-2019. This study was aimed to investigate its current prevalence during pandemic. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women between April 2020 and September 2021 in 3 public health centers in Cirebon Regency, Indonesia. History of chronic liver disease was excluded in this study. Data were collected from annual report of Department of Health, Cirebon Regency, Indonesia, including demographic characteristics, obstetric history, the presence of jaundice. The status of hepatitis B was detected by immunochromatographic, rapid assay HBsAg test kit. Results: Of 2210 subjects, there were 21 found positive (0.95%). Median age of subjects were 28 years old (15-48). Among subjects, as many as 37.42% were primigravida and 47.19% were in first trimester. None of subjects had symptoms. The highest hepatitis B prevalence was identified in mother aged<35 year and multiple parities. Conclusion: Prevalence of hepatitis B among pregnant women in Cirebon Regency during pandemic was 0.95% and markedly reduced compared with previous prevalence.