Sero-profiles and risk factors in Hepatitis B Virus infection among gravid women in Dadaab, Garissa, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B Virus remains one of the infectious diseases posing public health concern. However, HBV disease burden  among gravid women remains elusive, in Kenya.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence, disease stages and associated risk factors of HBV infection among gravid women attending  ANC clinic in Dadaab, Garissa County.

Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted on gravid women.

Setting: The Saretho Health Centre in Dadaab, at Garissa County, Kenya.

Subjects: Gravid women attending ANC clinic between August to October 2023.

Main outcome measures: For each gravid woman, Age, marital status, Level of education and Risk factors were captured. Hepatitis B  serological markers were also profiled.

Results: In 186 samples screened: 19(10.2%) were immune to HBV infection, 6(3.2%) acute infection, 11(5.9%) on HBV recovery, 8(4.3%)  were on chronic stage and 5(2.7%) had occult HBV. Overall, 8.6% prevalence was detected. Marital Status, level of education, history of  undergoing FGM, having Ear piercing were risk factors associated with HBV infection (p = < 0.05) while Age, history of; blood transfusion,  caesarean section, dental procedures, tattoo, having liver disease or having family history of liver diseases (p = > 0.05), were not risk factors associated with HBV infection.

Conclusion: This study confirms the public health importance of HBV infections among pregnant  women. The detected 8.6% HBV prevalence calls for a continuous surveillance and early detection and treatment intervention.