Abstract:
Background: Hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses are the most common types of viruses that
infect the liver. Infection by these viruses during pregnancy have high rate of vertical
transmission and have adverse effect on both the mother and child. Infection at the prenatal age
and infancy usually leads to a chronic carrier status. Epidemiological data for these viruses are
important to take appropriate preventive measures.
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the sero-prevalence and associated risk
factors of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infections among pregnant women at Dessie
referral hospital.
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from March to May, 2014 at Dessie referral
hospital antenatal care clinic. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect data on
socio-demographic and other variables. Five milliliter of venous blood was collected from each
study subject. Serum was separated and tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-
HCV antibody using rapid test kits. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 16.0
computer software. Logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the possible risk
factors of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infections. P-value < 0.05 was considered as
statistically significant.
Results: A total of 385 pregnant women were involved in this study and their mean age was
28.16 ± 5.37 years. The overall prevalence of HBsAg and anti- hepatitis C virus antibody was
4.9% and 0.8% respectively. High proportion of HBsAg positivity was found among these had
no formal education (47.4%) and widowed (22.2%). History of multiple sexual practices, nose
piercing and history of abortion had statistically significant association with HBsAg seropositivity
(p < 0.05). All of the anti- hepatitis C virus antibody positive pregnant women had
history of ear piercing, history of abortion, and positive for human immunodeficiency virus.
Conclusion: This study has shown that intermediate and low prevalence of hepatitis B virus and
hepatitis C virus infection among pregnant women respectively. Increasing awareness of
transmission of HBV through multiple sexual practice and nose piercing is needed. Routine
screening of pregnant women for hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus is also recommended.
