iamhr/2019.014/22/Isah et al. – C-International Archives

International Archives of Medical and Health Research (IAMHR), pISSN: 2705-1420; eISSN: 2705-1439
September to October 2019 Vol 1(3): pp.64-69 DOI: https://doi.org/10.33515/iamhr/2019.014/22

Copyright © 2019 C-International Archives

Original Article

Knowledge of hepatitis B virus transmission, and seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen among pregnant women attending Primary Healthcare Centers in Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria

Balarabe A. Isah^1*, Kehinde J. Awosan¹, Yahaya Muhammed², Abubakar K. Mutazu¹,

Yahya N. Abdullahi¹, Zuleekhah I. Balogun¹

¹Department of Community Health, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria

²Department of Medical Microbiology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author’s Email: drbalaargungu@gmail.com

Published November 28, 2019

ABSTRACT

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality across the world, and it is associated with high risk of maternal and fetal complications in pregnant women. Aim: This study aimed to determine the knowledge of HBV transmission, and seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among pregnant women in Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 209 pregnant women (selected by a two-stage sampling technique) attending the antenatal clinics of the Primary Healthcare Centers in Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria. Blood samples were collected and tested for hepatitis B surface antigen in addition to questionnaire administration. Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS version 20 statistical computer software package. Results: Majority 182 (87.1%) of the 209 respondents were aged ≤ 34 years. Also, majority of participants had no formal education (58.9%), and were multigravida (76.1%). Only about a third and below knew the various modes of transmission of HBV infection. Whereas, only a few have had previous blood transfusions (6.7%) or surgeries (6.7%), more than a third of participants (39.2%) reported sharing needles and sharps. Sixteen (7.7%) of the 209 participants were reactive to hepatitis B surface antigen. Conclusion: This study showed low level of knowledge of HBV transmission and prevalent exposure to re-used needles and sharps among the participants, while a substantial proportion of them had HBsAg seropositivity. Mass education of the public on the risk factors of the disease, use of aseptic techniques, and proper screening of blood and blood products for HBV are crucial to its prevention and control.

Keywords: HBV transmission, HBsAg, knowledge, seroprevalence, pregnant women

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