Hepatitis B virus infection among antenatal clinic attendees at the Muhimbili National Hospital, seroprevalence and associated factors

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. Vertical transmission is one of the modes of transmission. The risk of transmission increases if the mother is hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive and more so if also hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg) positive. Current magnitude of HBV infection at Muhimbili National Hospital MNH is not known, and could be on the increase due to the HIV epidemic, since the two have a shared mode of transmission. Objectives: To determine the seroprevalence of HBV infection and associated factors among pregnant women attending Antenatal Clinic at Muhimbili National Hospital. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Antenatal Clinic, Muhimbili National Hospital between 31stAugust and 22nd September 2010. Data including socio-demographic (age, residence, marital status, education level, occupation) sexual history (number of life-time sexual partners), obstetrics (parity) and history of blood transfusion were collected using a structured questionnaire. Blood specimen was collected for detection of HBsAg, HBeAg, IgM antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (Anti-HBc), antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) and HIV antibodies. Ethical clearance and informed consent were obtained prior to the enrolment in the study. Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 16.0. Fisher’s exact tests were used for analysis. A p-value of