Sero-Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Services in Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus infection is a major public health problem worldwide and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection and associated factors among pregnant mothers in the Gedeo Zone, southern Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 479 pregnant women visiting governmental and private health facilities in the Gedeo zone from January to April 2019. We selected study participants using systematic random sampling techniques. The Eugene strip test was used to determine hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant mothers. We collected the status of HIV of the pregnant women from the records. Other variables were collected from the mothers using interviewer-administered questionnaires. We used binary and multivariable logistic regression for the analysis. An adjusted odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to determine the association between HBsAg sero-positivity and various factors. A P-value of less than .05 was considered significant. Results: This study revealed that the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant mothers was 9.2% in Gedeo Zone. A previous history of blood transfusion [AOR = 5.2, 95% CI: 2.1, 12.5], a previous history of hospital admission [AOR = 3, 95% CI: 1.4, 6.6], a history of having an abortion [AOR = 4.1, 95 % CI: 1.5, 11.7], the age of the pregnant women [AOR = 5.1, 95 % CI: 1.5, 18.0], and their HIV status [AOR = 8.1, 95 % CI: 1.9, 36.0] had a statistically significant association with HBsAg sero-positivity. Conclusion: Hepatitis B virus infection was found to have higher endemicity (9.2%) in Gedeo Zone which is higher than the national pooled prevalence which was 4.75%. The health facilities must implement early initiation of antenatal care services which incorporate the prevention and control of HBV in the Gedeo Zone.

High Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C Virus Infections among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Borumeda General Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia

“…Having a history of abortion had 5.7 times the likelihood of infection with HBV in relation with those study participants who did not have the history. Like those in the current study, both variables are indicated as having significant association with HBV infection in a study held in Southern Ethiopia [47].…”

“…Having a history of abortion had 5.7 times the likelihood of infection with HBV in relation with those study participants who did not have the history. Like those in the current study, both variables are indicated as having significant association with HBV infection in a study held in Southern Ethiopia [ 47 ]. In agreement with the present study, the history of abortion was mentioned as one of the predictor variables for HBV infection in studies conducted in Ethiopia [ 30 , 48 ].…”

Sero-prevalence of hepatitis b virus and associated factors among pregnant women’s attending antenatal clinics in public hospitals of Hawassa City, Sidama, Ethiopia, 2021. Multicenter cross sectional study

“…This prevalence rate is higher than different regions of Ethiopia which has been reported West Hararge public hospital 6.1% (1) Another study done in Amhara region and Addis Ababa shows that prevalence in Amhara region and 1 % (10) in Addis Ababa city was 36 % respectively. and lower than study from Southern Ethiopia, Gedeo Zone prevalence of 9.2% (11).…”

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care At Public Hospitals in Borena Zone, Southern Ethiopia

“…The sample size for this study was determined using the single-population ratio formula. When the HBV proportion (9.2%) is taken from a previous study conducted in the Gedeo zone, 19 there is an error rate of 3%, a confidence interval (CI) of 95%, and a nonresponse rate of 5% was assumed.…”

“…It has also been reported that multiple sexual partner was associated with HIV positive. 17 – 20 Another study conducted in Oromia showed no factors significantly associated with HBV seropositivity. 21 …”