Hepatitis B Virus Infection Among Pregnant Women At Jamestown Maternity, Accra
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Date
2022-02
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University Of Ghana
Abstract
Background: HBV infection is among the top 10 global causes of death, responsible for almost one million deaths each year. According to the WHO, approximately 240 million people worldwide have chronic HBV infection, most of whom live in poor or underdeveloped countries. ABO blood types have also been linked to HBV infection. In addition, an association between HBV infection and anaemia has been discovered by others. This connection, however, is still unknown. HBV infection and socio-demographic variables have been linked in several studies. The primary objective of the study was to establish the prevalence of HBV infection among pregnant women who visited the Jamestown Maternity.
Method: The design used in this study was an analytical cross-sectional design. The technique fulfilled the defined objectives of determining the prevalence of HBV infection, assessing the knowledge about HBV infection, and establishing the factors contributing to HBV infection among pregnant women attending the ANC clinic at Jamestown Maternity. The questionnaire used to survey respondents contained both closed and open-ended questions. The survey questions information and test outcomes were imported into Epi-info 7 and STATA 15.0, respectively, for interpretation. In addition, the researchers conducted univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses of the various determinants of HBV infection among pregnant women attending Jamestown Maternity.
Results: HBV infection was found in 11.5 percent of pregnant women, with nearly a third (31.0 %) having no or poor knowledge of the virus and almost a quarter (23.2 %) having excellent knowledge. HBV vaccine uptake rate is among these women was 5.6%. HBV infection was seven times more common in mothers with secondary education (AOR=6.95, 95% CI:
1.15–42.08, p=0.034). Mole-Dagbani mothers were 12 times more likely than other mothers to be infected with HBV (AOR=12.0, 95% CI: 1.49 – 95.95, p=0.018). Having several sexual partners approximately quadrupled the chance of HBV infection (AOR=3.80, 95% CI: 1.37 – 10.52, p=0.011).
Conclusion: The prevalence of HBV infection among expectant mothers at Jamestown Maternity is high. The knowledge of HBV infection and vaccine uptake among these women is generally low. More education and awareness campaigns are needed to address these public health concerns.
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MPH
Keywords
Hepatitis B, Virus, Accra, Pregnant Women