Epidemiological Profile and Identification of Key Risk Factors for Hepatitis B Virus Infection Among Pregnant Women in A Hyper- Endemic Region of Nigeria

Abstract

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection remains a major global public health challenge, with a disproportionate burden in sub-Saharan Africa. Pregnant women represent a critical population for intervention due to the risk of vertical transmission. This study aimed to delineate the epidemiological profile and identify key risk factors associated with HBV infection among pregnant women in Kebbi State, a hyper-endemic region in Nigeria. A retrospective study was conducted using secondary data from 250 pregnant women attending the Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi. Data on socio-demographic, behavioral, and clinical characteristics were extracted. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the study population, and prevalence rates were calculated for various risk factors to identify associations with HBV seropositivity. The study revealed an alarming HBV prevalence of 50.0% (125/250) among the pregnant women. Key modifiable risk factors with high infection rates included a lack of HBV vaccination (64.3%), history of sexually transmitted infections (63.3%), intravenous drug use (63.9%), multiple sexual partners (59.8%), and history of blood transfusion (61.5%). A strikingly high rate of previous vertical transmission (68.3%) was documented. Socio-demographic disparities were evident, with higher prevalence observed among women aged 45 and above (60.0%), those with no formal education (55.1%), low-income women (56.2%), and rural dwellers (52.4%). This study uncovers a devastatingly high prevalence of HBV among pregnant women in Kebbi State, driven by a confluence of low vaccination coverage, high-risk behaviors, and perinatal transmission cycles. The findings underscore a public health emergency that demands an immediate, multi-pronged intervention strategy focusing on universal vaccination, routine antenatal screening, and targeted community health education.

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