Sero-prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis C Virus Infections Among Pregnant Women at Dessie Referral Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia

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.