Seroprevalence and Correlates of Hepatitis-B Virus Infection among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal-Clinic at Primary Healthcare Facilities in Nasarawa State, Central Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is transmitted through blood and body fluid. The infection causes acute or chronic liver diseases that is a global public health concern. An estimated 257.5 million people are chronically infected worldwide in 2022 with 1.2 million new infections yearly. Its overall prevalence is around 3.2% which varies significantly by region, with the highest prevalence in the Western Pacific and African regions. Nigeria is still considered one of the highly endemic countries with an estimated prevalence of around 9.5% to 13.6% with Nasarawa State in the central region. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and correlate of infection among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic (ANC) at Primary healthcare facilities in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Methodology: Three hundred and thirty-eight (338) participants were enrolled in this cross-sectional study using a systematic sampling method. Blood samples were collected by venipuncture, processed, and tested using a combo kit with five Sero-markers of HBV. Results: The prevalence of HBV in this study was 8.3%. Only 12.7% had immune antibodies while 0.6% showed evidence of occult HBV infection. Age group ≤ 25years (P = .03) was significantly associated with the infection. Higher prevalence was found among women who are Polygamist (12.5%), Christians (8.7%), Single (20.0%), had only a primary level of education (9.5%), in Business (16.0%) and whose husband are farmers (12.2%). Conclusion: The prevalence of HBV in this study was 8.3%. The younger age group were associated with HBV infection in the study area. Enhanced HBV infection sensitization, routine screening at ANC, early vaccination and youth focused prevention strategy in the community is recommended.