Determinants of Hepatitis B Viral Infection among Pregnant Women in Greater Monrovia, Liberia

Abstract

Henry Torbandu Kohar, George Asumah Adu, Henry Ofosu Addo, Edwin Afari, Ernest Kenu and Frederick Wurapa

Background: The global prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection is estimated to affect over 2 billion individuals, with a notable proportion ranging from 6% to 25% residing in the Sub-Saharan African region. The prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone has been estimated to be approximately 2%. However, current understanding of the actual risk factors associated with HBV in the Greater Monrovia remains unclear. Consequently, this study aimed to identify the factors associated with hepatitis B viral infection among pregnant women residing in Greater Monrovia, Liberia.

Methods: An unmatched case control study of 141 cases of HBV infected pregnant women and 141 controls was conducted. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle activities and medical related risk factors were collected for both groups with a structured questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate analyses established associations between the HBV infection and risk factors studied.

Results: In all, 141 cases of HBV infected pregnant women and 141 controls participated in this study. The mean age of cases was 35.6 years (SD ±9.5) and 36.1 years (SD ±8.4) for controls. Low-income level <100 dollars [aOR 13.0 (4.48-37.82, p<0.001)], employment [aOR 0.04 (0.09-0.18) p<0.001], STI history [aOR 5.19 (1.68-16.02, p=0.004)] and living with a HBV infected person [aOR 35.11 (4.24-58.90), p=0.001] were factors associated with HBV infection among pregnant women in Greater Monrovia.

Conclusion: The risk factors of HBV infection among pregnant women in Greater Monrovia were engagement in formal employment, low-income level, history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and residing with an individual infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Control efforts by designated state institutions should include advocacy and awareness creation on HBV status identification, safe sex, and vaccination of uninfected individuals.

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