Predisposing Factors to HBV Among Pregnant Women Attending Some Hospitals in Suburbs of Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) when transmitted vertically can be severe on neonates and life threatening. Among others, risk factors for HBV include unprotected sex, needle-stick injuries and blood transfusion. The study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of HBV markers and associated risk factors among one hundred and sixty consenting pregnant women attending some hospitals in Kano, Nigeria. Using enzymelinked immunoassay, sera were screened for HBV sero-markers and structured questionnaires were administered to obtain sociodemographic data and possible predisposing factors to HBV infection. Of the five HBV markers known, participants tested positive for four, which include HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAb and HBcAb. All were seronegative for HBeAg. Ninety three percent (93.1%) tested positive for at least one HBV marker and 6.9% were seronegative for all markers. Among those that tested positive for HBsAg, 54.5% (p=0.33) were housewives, 36.4% (p=0.53) had only primary school education, 72.7% (p=0.14) were middle-class, none had previous knowledge of HBV infection and its mode of transmission, 54.5% (p=0.14) regularly shares sharp objects, 45.5% (p=0.37) had ear or nose piercing, and 9.1% (p=0.01) regularly shares towel and underwear. A large percentage of the study group had history of the infection while only 1.3% of the subjects were vaccinated. Sociodemographic background of the participants, low vaccination coverage and certain risk factors like the sharing of unsterilized sharp objects seem to aid the moderately high prevalence of HBV in this study. The study also revealed that the risk of mother-to-child HBV transmission is low in the study area and that incomplete vaccination may not confer artificial immunity against HBV infection.