Prevalence of Hepatitis B Among Pregnant Women At LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo: A 5-Year Study

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Hepatitis B virus is most commonly transmitted from mother to child during birth and delivery.  The prevalence of hepatitis B in pregnant women worldwide is 0.25-2.5% This study was designed to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B among pregnant women at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo with a view to producing a data base for effective treatment and control plan of the disease.

METHODS

It was a retrospective study over a 5-year period (2015-2019) that determined the prevalence of Hepatitis B in pregnancy and feto-maternal outcomes. Data on socio-demographic characteristics of patients were retrieved from the case files. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 23 using appropriate statistical tools.

RESULTS

110 cases were identified among 4300 pregnant women. The prevalence of Hepatitis B was 2.56%. The prevalence increased over the 5-year period. There was association between the prevalence of Hepatitis B infection, age, marital status, location, and parity. There was also association between hepatitis and the birth weight of babies as well as their APGAR (Appearance, Pulse rate, Grimace, Activity, Respiration) scores.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of Hepatitis B infection among pregnant women is slightly higher than the global prevalence with an increasing rate over the five-year period. Feto-maternal outcomes were associated with chronic hepatitis B infection. The importance of prevention of the infection needs to be further emphasized.