PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS INFECTION AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CARE UNIT AT BUGIRI GENERAL HOSPITAL- BUGIRI DISTRICT.A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background

This study aims to determine the prevalence of HBV and its risk factors most responsible for the Hepatitis B virus among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) at Bugiri General Hospital-Bugiri District.

 Methodology

A total of 70 pregnant women were tested for HBsAg within November for 7 days in 2023. The study was carried out using a descriptive cross-sectional study design and it provided information concerning the situation at that given time, by doing so, the status of the pregnant women concerning the presence or absence of Hep B virus was assessed and involved data collection and measuring prevalence using the hospital-based HBsAg strip test specific for Hepatitis B virus screening. The Data was collected using the Quantitative method to determine prevalence and the Qualitative method was used to determine behavioral risk factors associated with Hep B infections among pregnant mothers attending ANC at Bugiri Hospital by use of Questionnaires.

 Results

18.6% were tested positive and 81.4% tested negative. The majority 65(92.9%) had one sexual partner 11(84.6%) had Hep B infection, and 58(82.9%) were pierced with unsterilized sharps out of which 10(76.9%) had Hepatitis B infection. 66(94.3%) did not have a history of Hep B infection among their family members of which 11(84.6%) had Hepatitis B infection. The age group most affected by Hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics was 20-24 years with a prevalence of 30.8%.

 Conclusion

This study underscores the need for increased awareness and education about HBV, along with the implementation of appropriate preventive measures to curb the spread of the virus

 Recommendation

HBV is still a common problem among pregnant mothers attending ANC. Therefore, there should be timely screening for HBV for every pregnant mother attending ANC presenting with likely signs and symptoms of the disease.