Original Research Article
Year: 2016 | Month: February | Volume: 3 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 1-7
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigenemia among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Jigjiga, East Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Adugna Negussie, Ermiyas Beyene
Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Jigjiga University, P.O.Box.1020, Jigjiga, Ethiopia.
Corresponding Author: Adugna Negussie
ABSTRACT
Background: Infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) can lead to both acute and chronic hepatitis. Maternal to fetal transmission from chronic carriers is high in endemic areas. Although, it is a major public health problem worldwide and in Africa; information on the prevalence of HBV infection among pregnant women in Jigjiga is scarce. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of HBsAg among pregnant women attending antenatal care in the selected health institutes of Jigjiga, East Ethiopia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken from September to January, 2013.Structured interviews were used to collect socio-demographic and obstetric data. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was detected using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data were analyzed using SPSS-19, computer software package and were summarized by descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression.
Results: Of the 301 pregnant women studied, reactive HBsAg was noted in 18 (6%). The highest HBs Ag recorded was 11/18 (61.1%) for pregnant women between aged 20-34 years while the lowest recorded were 1/18 (5.6%) for those aged greater than 34 years. There was no significant difference in HBsAg positivity in relation to maternal age, gravidity, gestational age, family type, level of education and occupation. None of the risk factors assessed were significantly associated with HBsAg positivity.
Conclusion: Our data showed that HBV infections are important public health concerns among pregnant women in the Jigjiga area. Hence, we recommend that all pregnant women ought to be routinely screened for HBsAg infection accompanied with health education during their antenatal visits.
Keywords: Antenatal care, HBsAg, Jigjiga, Pregnancy.