A total of 200 pregnant women subjects were selected for this study to determine the sero-prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and assess the risk factors among pregnant women attending ante natal care at FMC, Keffi, Nigeria.
A structured questionnaire was used for the data collection. Sera were collected and tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg).
A highest proportion of HBsAg seropositive women were found among those at or above 45 years of age (33.3%) P value = 0.542. On sociodemographic characteristics, there was no statistical significance difference between the women with HBsAg positive sera and those without the infection, with respect to marital status (P-value = 0.899) and Occupation (P value = 0.863). However, there was statistical significant difference among those women of different Religion (P value = 0.326), Education (P value = 0.350), blood transfusion(s). 29.8% positive were recorded for HBsAg while (15.3%) with no history of prior blood transfusion were negative. Women in the 3rd trimester of their gestational period (39.2%) were positive for HBsAg compared to those in 1st trimester (18.2%) and 2nd trimester (15.3%).
The sero prevalence of HBV infection and its infectivity is high in Central Nigeria. This research article suggest the need for improved maternal health, routine immunization HBV screening among pregnant women in central Nigeria.