Abstract:
Introduction
Hepatitis B virus infection is a global public health problem. Though, the disease is endemic
in sub-Saharan Africa, little is known about its epidemiology among pregnant women in
Ghana. This study sought to determine the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B virus infection and
associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Korle-Bu Teaching
Hospital; Ghana’s largest hospital.
Methods
We conducted a facility-based cross-sectional survey among 232 antenatal attendants. Participants
were recruited using systematic random sampling technique and screened with
HBsAg Rapid Test. Data was analyzed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences
(SPSS), version 23.0. Results were presented using descriptive statistics, Fisher’s
Exact test and Logistic Regression analysis.
Results
Two hundred and twenty-one (221) of the total sample (n = 232) agreed to participate in this
study; representing a response rate of 95%. The mean age of the participants was 31 years
and standard deviation of 5.3. The mean gestational period at recruitment was 28 weeks
and standard deviation of 6.8. Majority of the participants were married (83.3%), parous
(69.6%), educated (91.4%) and employed (90.5%). The prevalence of HBsAg was 7.7%.
We found no significant association between socio-demographic characteristics of the participants
and HBV infection.
Conclusion
Seroprevalence of 7.7% indicates moderate endemicity. Socio-demographic characteristics
did not influence HBV infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. The findings provide empirical evidence that will contribute to knowledge
of HBV epidemiology in Ghana.