Screening of Hepatitis B and C Viral Infection among Pregnant Women in Fallujah Teaching Hospital for Maternity and Children

Abstract

Background: Viral hepatitis is a global health burden and an endemic infection in Iraq, with its incidence previously documented. Aim: This study aimed to delineate the current prevalence of hepatitis during pregnancy in comparison with previous local data and to determine plausible risk factors associated with the outcome. Methods: A total of 1273 participants were recruited in this hospital-based cross-sectional study from 1 February to 30 June 2024. The cohort consisted of pregnant women aged 14–45 years. Demographic data were collected using a short questionnaire to assess potential risk factors for viral hepatitis. Blood samples were collected to screen for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) using Combo Rapid Test Strips. Results: The results revealed that the overall prevalence of viral hepatitis infection among pregnant women was 1.02%, with HBV occurring more frequently than HCV. The seroprevalence of HBsAg among pregnant women was 0.94% (12/1273). The current study reported a notable decline in HBV and HCV infection among pregnant women compared with a previous local study (0.94% vs 4.42% for HBV and 0.08% vs 1.15% for HCV). Logistic regression analysis revealed that both family history of hepatitis and abortion were associated with significantly higher odds of HBV (OR = 12.77 at P = 0.001 and OR = 9.24 at P = 0.0009) compared with their counterparts. Conclusion: Family history of hepatitis and history of abortion were significantly associated with HBV seropositivity among pregnant women, supporting the implementation of robust prenatal screening procedures and greater awareness of disease outcomes.