Sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B Infection and Its Risk Factors among Women Admitted for Delivery in Ucth, Calabar, Nigeria

Background: Vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus infection during pregnancy and delivery remains the major route of transmission in low resource areas.
The objectives of this study were to determine the sero-prevalence of hepatitis B infection (HBsAg) and the potential risk factors among pregnant women admitted for delivery.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study of 300 women admitted for delivery was conducted at University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria. A pretested questionnaire was used for the collection of socio-demographic data and possible risk factors. Blood sample was collected from each consented woman and the plasma tested for the presence of HBsAg using rapid ELISA test Kits in the laboratory of the hospital. All the data were analyzed using microsoft SPSS version 17 statistical program.
Results: Out of the 300 women studied, positive HBsAg was detected in 14 women, giving a sero-prevalence rate of 4.7%. The age of the women studied varied from 16 to 43 years with mean age of 27.9±4.6 years and mean parity of 1.1±1.5. Hepatitis B viral infection was significantly higher among pregnant women who did not attend any antenatal care (unbooked women) than pregnant women who attended antenatal care (booked women). There were statistically significant relationships between HBV infection and 2 or more sexual partners and previous history of induced abortion. Previous histories of blood transfusion, previous surgeries/dental manipulations, tribal marks/tattoos, previous contact with somebody with hepatitis B infection were not statistically significant. The data are related to 14 (4.7%) of HBV infected women in the study.
Conclusion: An intermediate prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection was identified which justifies the need for routine screening in pregnancy especially among unbooked women in order to identify and treat the infection.