EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS AMONG WOMEN RECEIVING ANTENATAL CARE AT GENERAL HOSPITAL KEFFI, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects approximately 8% of pregnant women globally, with a prevalence of 4% in the US. In Nigeria, HBV endemicity is established, but epidemiological data are limited. Vertical transmission from mother to child is a significant risk factor. Nigeria has an estimated 18 million HBV-infected individuals, with many unaware of their status. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B virus among women receiving antenatal care at General Hospital, Keffi, Nasarawa State. Blood samples were collected from 200 pregnant women by the nurse on duty. Hepatitis B virus was detected using test strips. The prevalence of HBV infections among pregnant women accessing antenatal healthcare at General Hospital Keffi showed that out of 200 samples screened, 29 (14.5%) were positive for hepatitis B virus infection. The highest HBV infection rate among the pregnant women was reported in those aged 41-50 years (46.7%), followed by those aged 31-40 years (16.3%), 16-20 years (13.2%), with the least prevalence among those aged 21-30 years (6.0%) and 51 years (5.9%). However, there was a statistically significant association between HBV infections and age (p < 0.05). Prevalence was higher among pregnant women in their second trimester (16; 17.3%), followed by the third trimester (5; 14.2%) and least among women in their first trimester (8; 11.0%). However, there was no statistically significant relationship between gestational period and viral infection (p > 0.05). This study revealed that HBV can be present in pregnant women. It is suggested that free screening and immunization against HBV for all pregnant women and their infants should be incorporated into antenatal and postnatal programs in hospitals so that HBV-positive mothers will receive prompt intervention.