Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection and the Associated Risk Factors for Infection and Prenatal Transmission Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at Benadir Hospital, Mogadishu

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B is an illness that may generate either a rapid onset of symptoms or a chronic infection in humans. This virus damages the liver. The hepatitis B virus is a DNA virus that has a structure that is only partially composed of two strands of DNA. It is the infectious agent that leads to hepatitis B sickness. This virus belongs to the family Hepadnaviridae and the genus Orphohepadnavirus. The primary mode of spread of the Hepatitis B virus is via the exchange of blood or other blood products that are infected with the virus. Additionally, the illness may be passed on by bodily fluids, sexual contact, and vertical transmission. Objectives: This research aims to (1) establish the frequency of Hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women who attend the ANC at Banadir Hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia; (2) identify risk factors for this infection; and (3) estimate the risk of vertical transmission among pregnant women. Methodology: This study used a descriptive cross-sectional analysis of hospital data. Women who were pregnant and receiving ANC care at Banadir hospital were included in the research. Individuals who might be suitable volunteers were selected using a random selection procedure. The researcher approached a subset of potential volunteers and opened conversation about the study and its advantages. Participants were briefed on the consent process and signed off on the form. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire written both in English and Somali languages was used to get socio-demographic & medical history, and the participant’s knowledge on Hepatitis B. In order to screen for hepatitis B viral infection, a hepatitis B Rapid Test kit was also utilized. 250 patients made up the study's sample size. SPSS was used to examine the data (version 16.0). xv The distributions were shown using histograms, whilst categorical data was displayed using tables and graphs. The connection between the risk variables and hepatitis B was studied using the Chi-square test. Results: 42% of study participants were aged between 31 years and 40 years. 75% were married, and 48% housewives. 63.2% of the study members were not aware that Hepatitis B virus infection can be prevented, 53.2% were not aware how Hepatitis B virus infection is transmitted while only 38.6% of participants had received Hepatitis B vaccine. Inadequate knowledge and awareness about Hepatitis B contagion may endanger the expectant women if exposed to situations that could get them infected. Study revealed a significant association between ever having a blood transfusion and testing positive for HBsAg (p-value 0.018) as well as strong association between a sexual partner having suffered from Hepatitis B Virus infection &a pregnant woman testing positive for HBsAg (p-value 0.026). Study results showed being delivered by a traditional birth attendant, having had a surgical procedure, & having had a dental procedure were important risk aspects associated with the virus contamination (p-values 0.000, 0.032 and 0.012 respectively). According to the study's results, 8.4% of women receiving ANC at the Benadir Hospital were infected with the hepatitis B virus overall. Overall: The occurrence rate of Hepatitis B virus infection in expectant mothers attending ANC was 8.4%. Having received blood transfusion, having had a surgical or dental procedure, and Pregnant women visiting ANC at the Benadir Hospital had considerable risk factors for Hepatitis B

viral infection, including a sexual partner who had the virus. Being delivered by a traditional birth attendant was also a significant risk factor for Hepatitis B virus.