scholarly journals Hepatitis B and C Viruses’ Infection and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Hospitals in the Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Mulat Dagnew ◽  
Yihenew Million ◽  
Mucheye Gizachew ◽  
Setegn Eshetie ◽  
Gashaw Yitayew ◽  
...  

Introduction. Hepatitis virus infection is a major public health burden and silent killer disease in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses and associated factors among pregnant women attending an antenatal clinic in three tertiary hospitals in Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1121 pregnant women. Data on sociodemographic and associated factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Serum samples were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV) using ELISA. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis, and a multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between factors associated with hepatitis B virus and hepatitis virus C infection. Results. A total of 1121 pregnant women were included in the study. The mean age of study participants was 27.2 ± 4.8 yrs. The majority of pregnant women (895 (79.8%)) were from urban areas. The overall seroprevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV antibody was 52 (4.6%) and 18 (1.6%), respectively. The coinfection rate of HBV/HCV was 1.4% (1/69). Ten (19.2%) of HBV positive cases were coinfected with HIV. There were no coinfections of HCV and HIV. Interestingly, pregnant women with a history of multiple sexual partners (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI, 1.7–7.6), blood transfusion (AOR = 7.6, 95% CI, 2.9–16.9), family history of HBV (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI, 1.7–7.6), being HIV-positive (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI, 1–5.9), and tattooing (AOR = 2, 95% CI, 1–3.8) were significant predictors of HBV infection. Similarly, young age (17–25 yrs) (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI, 1.8–8.6) and no educational background (AOR = 5, 95 CI, 1.7–14.8) were significant predictors of HCV infection. Conclusions. Hepatitis B and C viruses’ infection was intermediate among pregnant women; some risk factors were significantly associated with the majority of cases. Infants born from these infected mothers are at risk of infection. This calls for screening and integration of HBV prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) into HIV. Thus, the provision of health education on hepatitis B and C viruses’ transmission, vaccination, and screening of all pregnant women routinely are essential for the prevention of these viruses.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mulat Dagnew ◽  
Yihenew Million ◽  
Mucheye Gizachew ◽  
Setegn Eshetie ◽  
Gashaw Yitayew ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Hepatitis virus infection is a major public health burden and silent killer disease in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. Despite the recommendations of the World Health Organization, screening for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in pregnant women is not done routinely in public health institutions. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the burden of HBV and HCV and its associated factors among pregnant women in the Amhara region, Ethiopia. Methods A total of 1121 pregnant women were enrolled in the study. Data on sociodemographic and associated factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Blood was collected from the pregnant women, and serum samples were tested for HBsAg and anti-hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV) using ELISA. The status of HIV-infected pregnant women was collected from the records of their charts. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis, and a binary logistic regression model was used to assess the relationship between factors associated with HBV and HCV infection. Results The seroprevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV antibody were 4.6% and 1.6, respectively. The co-infection rate of HBV/HCV was 1.4% (1/69). Ten out of 52 HBV positive cases (19.2%) were co-infected with HIV. Only 20 (1.8%) pregnant women had the HBV vaccine. Interestingly, pregnant women with a history of multiple sexual partners (AOR = 3.2,95% CI,1.7–7.6), blood transfusion (AOR = 7.6,95% CI,2.9–16.9), family history of HBV (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI,1.7–7.6), being HIV-positive (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI,1-5.9), and tattooing (AOR = 2, 95% CI, 1-3.8) were significant predictors of HBV infection. Conclusions HBV and HCV infections were intermediate among pregnant women; risk factors were responsible for the majority of cases. Infants born from these infected mothers are at risk of infection. This calls for integration of HBV prevention into the PMTC of HIV. Thus, the provision of health education on HBV and HCV transmission, vaccination, and screening of all pregnant women routinely is essential for PMTCT.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haile Workye Agazhu ◽  
Melese Niguse Robele ◽  
Ijigu Tadesse Ayele ◽  
Amin A/Karim Mohammed

Abstract Background; Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the world’s most common and highly contagious liver infection. Its transmission methods are: mother to child, via open wounds, sexual contact, blood transfusion and other blood contact related activities. Prevalence of HBV among pregnant women in Africa ranges from 3.67 - 16.5% and in Ethiopia 2.4 to 8.4%. Hepatitis B infection leads to high morbidity and mortality for mother as well as for their infants due to the vertical transmission. Hence assessing the prevalence and associated factors of Hepatitis B Virus infection is a priority. Methodology : An institution based cross sectional study was conducted with a total of 194 of pregnant women attending antenatal care at Agena health center from May 1-30/2019. Frequency analysis and Logistic regression test was used to determine the associated factors associated with Hepatitis B virus by using SPSS version 25. Results: The prevalence of HBV in Agena health center among pregnant women were 4.1% and it was associated with marital status, history of hospital admission and history of abortion. Conclusion : The prevalence of HBV in Agena health center among pregnant women was intermediate. Since routine screening and immunization of all pregnant women is mandatory. Key words : Hepatitis B infection, pregnant women, Agena health center


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Cornelius Arome Omatola ◽  
Martin-Luther Oseni Okolo

Background. The overlap of malaria and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infections present a major threat to public health throughout endemic countries of tropical and sub-Saharan Africa. There is a paucity of data on the prevalence and associated factors of malaria and HBV infections among pregnant women in Ejule, a semiurban area of Nigeria. Therefore, the current study was designed to assess the seroprevalence of malaria and HBV among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Ejule Metropolis. Materials and Methods. In a hospital-based cross-sectional study, blood samples collected from 200 apparently healthy pregnant women at the Ilemona Clinic were screened for Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) and HBsAg using histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), respectively. Relevant sociodemographic and putative risk factor information was obtained with structured questionnaires. Results. The prevalence of the infections was 44 (22%), 5 (2.5%), and 1 (0.5%) for P. falciparum monoinfection and HBV monoinfection and coinfection, respectively. Single and concurrent infections peaked at ages 31–40 years but decreased with older ages. High P. falciparum, 31 (59.62%), and HBV 2 (3.85%) infection were observed among those without formal education. Contrary to ages, occupation, and knowledge of infection, malaria parasitemia differed significantly with lower educational qualification ( p ≤ 0.001 ), being single ( p = 0.001 ), and inconsistent use of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) ( p = 0.04 , OR = 5, CI: 0.10–0.47). History of blood donation (OR = 5, p = 0.04 , CI: 1.10–32.80) and multiple sex partners (OR = 11.9, p = 0.01 , CI: 0.01–0.93) were found to be significantly associated with hepatitis B surface antigenemia rate during pregnancy. No evidence of HBV infection was observed in women with a history of HBV vaccination. Conclusions. Malaria is still highly prevalent among pregnant women due to high illiteracy and noncompliance to using ITNs. Therefore, routine screening and educating pregnant mothers are crucial in eliminating malaria in endemic settings. The low rate of hepatitis B and coinfection with malaria shows that further improvement in HBV vaccination could considerably reduce the disease burden among pregnant women.


2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 409-416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre Sellier ◽  
Sarah Maylin ◽  
Rishma Amarsy ◽  
Marie-Christine Mazeron ◽  
Lucile Larrouy ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peyton Thompson ◽  
Camille E. Morgan ◽  
Patrick Ngimbi ◽  
Kashamuka Mwandagalirwa ◽  
Noro Ravelomanana ◽  
...  

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains endemic throughout sub-Saharan Africa despite the widespread availability of effective vaccines. We evaluated the feasibility of adding HBV testing and treatment of pregnant women and birth-dose vaccination of HBV-exposed infants to the HIV prevention of MTCT (PMTCT) program infrastructure in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where HBV treatment and birth-dose vaccination programs are not established. Methods: As part of the HIV PMTCT program at two maternity centers in Kinshasa, DRC, pregnant women were screened for HBV at routine prenatal care registration. Pregnant women with high viral load and/or HBeAg positivity were offered tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). HBV-exposed infants received a birth-dose of HBV vaccine within 24 hours of life. The primary endpoint was the feasibility and acceptability of the study. Results: Of 4,016 women screened, 109 (2.7%) were HBsAg-positive. Ten of 91 (11.1%) women evaluated had high-risk disease. Of 88 infants, 60 (68.2%) received a birth-dose vaccine; of these, 46 (76.7%) received a timely birth-dose. No cases of HBV MTCT were observed in our cohort. There were no serious adverse events associated with TDF nor with birth-dose vaccine. The study procedures were highly acceptable (>80%) among mothers. Conclusions: Adding HBV screening and treatment of pregnant women and infant birth-dose vaccination to existing HIV PMTCT platforms is feasible in countries like the DRC. Birth-dose vaccination against HBV integrated within the current Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and HIV PMTCT program could accelerate progress toward HBV elimination in Africa.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. e0232653
Author(s):  
Belete Bancha ◽  
Aseb Arba Kinfe ◽  
Kebreab Paulos Chanko ◽  
Shimelash Bitew Workie ◽  
Takele Tadese

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 233-243
Author(s):  
O. Erhabor ◽  
S.Y. Mohammad ◽  
L. Bello ◽  
F.U. Onuigwe ◽  
Y. Abdulrahman ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus infection is a global public health problem. The virus has infected more than one-third of the global population. It has been estimated that 360 million chronic carriers are living around the world with a high risk for developing cirrhosis, hepatic carcinoma and hepatic failure. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of some hepatitis B markers among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Sokoto Specialist Hospital, Nigeria. METHODS: The hepatitis testing was carried out using the Skytec-Rapid Diagnostic HBV-5 rapid kit (Skytec-Rapid Diagnostic, USA). The kit is based on lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb, and HBcAb in human serum or plasma. Panel format can conveniently test for five targets at once and utilizes all markers to help distinguish between acute and chronic infections. RESULTS: Out of 117 pregnant women tested, 15 were positive for HBsAg (12.8%), 6 positive for HBsAb (5.1%), 1 for HBeAg (0.9%), 14 tested positive for HBeAb (12.0%), and 14 tested for HBcAb (12.0%). The prevalence of HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBcAb and HBcAb was compared based on ethnicity. HBsAb was significantly higher among the Hausa ethnic group (p= 0.001). The prevalence of HBsAb, HBeAg, HBcAb and HBcAb was not affected by ethnicity (p> 0.05). The prevalence of HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBcAb and HBcAb was compared based on age. Infection by the hepatitis B virus markers was higher among young adult and middle age groups. The difference was however not statistically significant (p> 0.05). The prevalence of HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBcAb and HBcAb was compared based on the educational status, previous history of blood transfusion, jaundice, employment status and previous history of still births among the pregnant subjects. There were no statistically significant differences in the prevalence of Hepatitis B virus markers (p> 0.05). CONCLUSION: The study observed a high prevalence of various hepatitis B viral markers among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Specialist Hospital Sokoto. There is need for routine screening of all pregnant women and infants born to hepatitis B positive mothers. Government and non-governmental organizations should intensify efforts to enlighten the general population on the public health importance of the disease and the importance of hepatitis screening. There is also need for the development of a treatment protocol for the management of pregnant women positive for hepatitis B to prevent mother to child transmission. There is an urgent need for the implementation of evidenced-based best practice of providing universal vaccination against hepatitis B for all hepatitis B negative women of child bearing age in particular and all Nigerians in general.


Author(s):  
Alemu Earsido Addila ◽  
Telake Azale Bisetegn ◽  
Yigzaw Kebede Gete ◽  
Mezgebu Yitayal Mengistu ◽  
Getnet Mihretie Beyene

Abstract Background Alcohol consumption during pregnancy represents a significant public health concern. It has several adverse health effects for both the mother and the developing fetus. This study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence and the effect size of associated factors of alcohol consumption during pregnancy in Sub-Saharan Africa countries. Methods The results of the review were reported based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis statement (PRISMA) guideline and, it was registered in the Prospero database, number CRD42019127103. The available primary studies were collated from different databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, African Journals Online and Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Library. The main search terms were [((alcohol consumption) OR (alcohol drinking) OR (alcohol use) OR (ethanol use) OR (alcohol exposure)) AND ((pregnant women) OR (pregnant mother) OR (during pregnancy)) AND (Sub-Saharan Africa)]. We used the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) for critical appraisal of studies. The random-effects model was computed to estimate the pooled prevalence. Heterogeneity between studies was checked using the I2 statistic and the Cochrane Q test. Results The review resulted in 963 original studies after searching various databases, and finally 37 studies in qualitative synthesis and 30 articles in the systematic review and meta-analysis were included. The overall summary estimate of the prevalence of alcohol consumption during pregnancy was found to be 20.83% (95% CI: 18.21, 23.46). The pooled estimate of meta-analysis showed that depression (OR: 1.572; 95% CI: 1.34, 1.845), partners’ alcohol use (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.57), knowledge on harmful effect of alcohol consumption (OR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.45) and, unplanned pregnancy (OR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.17, 4.63) were statistically significant factors with alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Conclusions The result showed that there was high alcohol consumption during pregnancy in Sub- Saharan Africa. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy was associated with depression, partners’ alcohol use, unplanned pregnancy and knowledge of the harmful effects of alcohol consumption. Therefore, this will be a basis for public policy and resource allocation for prevention initiatives.


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