SERO-PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS INFECTION AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTI-NATAL CARE SERVICE IN ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA, 2017: A HOSPITAL BASED CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Abstract Background: about 2 billion people have been exposed to Hepatitis B Virus of which 360 million becomes chronic carriers with 780,000 deaths annually. Its infection in pregnancy is associated with direct effect on pregnancy and potential viral transmission from mother to newborn. The anti-natal care coverage of Addis Ababa was estimated at >100% in the last three years. Despite this the focus given to the disease is weak, moreover very little is known on prevalence of HBV infection and their associated factors among pregnant women. Objectives: to determine the prevalence and associated factors of Hepatitis B infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Addis Ababa City, Ethiopia. Methods: an institution based cross-sectional study was conducted in four hospitals of the city administration between Oct 28, 2017-Dec 8, 2017. A total of 566 pregnant women selected using systematic random sampling technique. A pre tested structured questionnaire was used to assess variables by face to face interview. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was detected using an enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA). Data were entered into Epi-info and transported to SPSS. Descriptive statistics was performed for all variables. Bi-variable and multivariate logistic regression were performed to test the COR & the AOR respectively. Multi-collinarity was checked. Variables with P-vale <=0.2 in the bivariate entered in to multi-variable analysis. Multivariate P-value of <=0.05 was considered significant. Result: Overall, 34(6.08%) were positive for HBsAg. Previous history of induced abortion (AOR = 2.3(1.08-5.07)), scarification (AOR = 2.48(1.08-5.69)), multiple life time sexual partner (AOR=2.59(1.1-5.9)), lower family income (AOR=2.6(1.2-5.7)), Age>=30 (AOR= 2.3(1.1-4.9)), house hold contact with cases (AOR=2.44(1.03-5.8)) and history of STD (2.3(1.1-4.9)) were significantly associated with HBV infection. Conclusions & recommendations: Endemicity was intermediate. Multiple sexual partners, history of STD, body scarification, induced abortion, age>=30, contact with liver diseases patient and lower income were the major associated factors. Giving health information, prevent unwanted pregnancy, improve safe abortion care, controlling STI, avoiding body tattooing and empowering women are important.