Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen and associated factors among pregnant women attending clinic at Mafiga health center, Morogoro, 2014.

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the global public health problem; estimated to affect 400 million individuals, chronically infected, which results in nearly 1 million deaths each year from cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Tanzania is one of the sub-Saharan countries with high endemicity levels with seroprevalence of HBs Ag among pregnant women varying between 4 to 6%
Objective. To determine seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and associated factors among antenatal women attending clinic at Mafiga health centre, Morogoro
Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study conducted at the antenatal clinic at Mafiga health centre between 16 June and 15 July 2014. A structured questionnaire was used and blood specimen was collected for screening of HBs Ag, syphilis and HIV antibodies by using commercial rapid test. Ethical clearance and informed consent were obtained prior to the enrolment in the study.
Results:- A total of 252 pregnant women were recruited and the HBV seroprevalence was 3.6%, while seroprevalence of HIV and syphilis were 4.1% and 3.1%, respectively. One (14.3%) had HBV and syphilis The HBs Ag/Syphilis coinfection prevalence was 11.1% which was the same as the HBs Ag/HIV. The risk factors for HBV were age group 35-39 yrs, married and multiple partners.
Conclusions: The prevalence of HBs Ag among women of child bearing age suggests that vertical transmission of HBV continue to be a public health problem in Mafiga Health Centre’s catchment population. There is need for having in place mechanism for control of vertical transmission of the disease.