Assessment of the Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Co-Infection and Its Risk Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Jaling and Takum Local Government, Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infections are co-endemic throughout most of the tropical and sub-Saharan Africa and both present a major threat to public health. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus co-infection in pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Jalingo and Takum Local government Areas, Taraba State, Nigeria. The study was conducted in Jalingo and Takum Local Governments Areas between September 2018 to December 2018.A total of five hundred and twenty (520) pregnant women were screened on antenatal day. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), test was carried out using WONDFO(R)HBsAg test strips and use of ante-sera for blood group. A questionnaire was also prepared to collect demographic data and some risk factors. The prevalence of HBV in Jalingo (12.3%) and Takum (15.2%).co- infection HBV in Jalingo (11.9%) and Takum (15.3%). Hepatitis B infection in relation to age group showed that age group 26 - 30 had the highest infection (21.3%) while age group 16-20 had the least infection(8.2%) .This result showed no significant difference between age distribution of Hepatitis B infection based on Educational status showed those without Formal Education had the highest prevalence (88.8% ) and (19.4%) for Hepatitis B. Occupational related prevalence showed that Traders had the highest prevalence of (86%) and (17.2%) for Hepatitis B χ2= 10.346 (P.>0.5).pregnancy status also showed varied infection rates , those in their first trimester had the highest prevalence( 84.2%) for Hepatitis B virus infection but there was no significant difference (P>0.5) between pregnancy status and Hepatitis B. Relationship between Hepatitis B risk factors on the other hand showed a closer association with Blood transfusion (O.R=1.179), sharing of towel (O.R=1.079), Multiple sex partners (O.R=2.989) and use of unsterilized syringe (O.R=3.163). Hepatitis B control in pregnancy is necessary so as to reduce the incidence of adverse pregnancy complications. The Hepatitis B screening should be incorporated into the routine antenatal screening on their first day of booking. Keywords: Hepatitis B infection, antenatal, pregnant women, Jalingo and Takum, Nigeria.