Prevalence of Hepatitis B and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women in the West region of Cameroon
Prévalence de l'Hépatite B et Facteurs Associés chez les Femmes Enceintes dans la Région de l'Ouest du Cameroun
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.67260/hra.v4i7.7886Keywords:
Prevalence, Hepatitis B, Pregnant women, Bangourain Health DistrictAbstract
ABSTRACT
Introduction. Prevention of Mother to Child transmission of Hepatitis B is crucial in mitigating the 95% the burden of acquiring the disease in childhood. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B infection and associated factors amongst pregnant women in Bangourain Health District. Method. A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out from the 1st of April to the 30 June 2025. Data was collected with the aid of a pretested questionnaire amongst pregnant who consented to participate in the study. Hepatitis B surface antigens (AgHBs) diagnostic kits were used to screen the participants and positive results were confirmed using ELISA tests. Chi square and multinomial logistic regression were used to test for association between variables with the statistical significance set at p value <0.05. Results. Out of the 236 pregnant women who took part in the study, 20 was confirmed positive giving a prevalence rate of 8.47%. Factors such as oral sex (OR=46.027; p= 0.003; CI= [3.713-530.494]), scarifications (OR= 18.595; p=0.020; CI=[1.581-218.727]) and history of blood transfusion (OR=32.817; p=0.007; CI= [2.650-406.375]) were statistically associated with hepatitis B positive status of the participants. Conclusion. There is a high prevalence of Hepatitis B infection amongst pregnant women in Bangourain health District. There is need to promote save blood transfusion and health education on the dangers of oral sex and scarifications so as to control the spread of the disease.
RÉSUMÉ
Introduction. La prévention de la transmission mère-enfant de l’hépatite B est essentielle pour réduire de 95 % le risque de contracter la maladie pendant l’enfance. Cette étude visait à déterminer la prévalence de l’infection par l’hépatite B et les facteurs associés chez les femmes enceintes du district sanitaire de Bangourain. Méthode. Une étude analytique transversale a été menée du 1er avril au 30 juin 2025. Les données ont été recueillies à l’aide d’un questionnaire pré-testé auprès des femmes enceintes ayant consenti à participer à l’étude. Des kits de dépistage de l’antigène de surface de l’hépatite B (AgHBs) ont été utilisés pour dépister les participantes et les résultats positifs ont été confirmés par des tests ELISA. Le test du chi carré et la régression logistique multinomiale ont été utilisés pour tester l’association entre les variables, le seuil de signification statistique étant fixé à une valeur de p < 0,05. Résultats. Sur les 236 femmes enceintes ayant participé à l’étude, 20 ont été confirmées positives, ce qui correspond à un taux de prévalence de 8,47 %. Des facteurs tels que les rapports sexuels oraux (OR = 46,027 ; p = 0,003 ; IC = [3,713-530,494]), les scarifications (OR = 18,595 ; p = 0,020 ; IC = [1,581-218,727]) et les antécédents de transfusion sanguine (OR = 32,817 ; p = 0,007 ; IC = [2,650-406,375]) étaient statistiquement associés à un statut positif à l’hépatite B chez les participantes. Conclusion. On observe une forte prévalence de l’infection par l’hépatite B chez les femmes enceintes du district sanitaire de Bangourain. Il est nécessaire de promouvoir la transfusion sanguine sans risque et l'éducation sanitaire sur les dangers des rapports sexuels oraux et des scarifications afin d'endiguer la propagation de la maladie.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Kum Jerry Ngha, Margaret Akpan, Phillip Bassey, Kenmegne Noumsi Elvira Christelle, Gilbert Mua Akwa, Ekpo Ofem, Ekpereone Esu, Antor Ndep, Bernadine Ekpenyong
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