Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus among Women of Child-Bearing Age in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Aim: Hepatitis B virus among women of child bearing age is a major determinant of perinatal hepatitis B transmission. The risk of developing liver-related complications, such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinomas increases as patient progresses from acute to chronic stage of the infection. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV among women of child bearing age in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, between June 2012 and July 2015.

Methods: A total of 89 women of child bearing age in Port Harcourt, Nigeria (ages 15-45 years) were screened for the presence of HBsAg. The presence of HBV was determined using third-generation enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (Bio-Rad, France).

Results: The results showed an overall HBsAg prevalence of 12.4%. Married women (14.3%) were found to be more infected with the highest prevalence rate recorded among the non-students (14.6%) and those within the 25-45 years age group (14%).

Conclusion: This study has shown that the prevalence of HBV among women of child-bearing age is high. Health education on the possible mode of transmission and the introduction of routine screening of women in health facilities will grossly help in reducing the rate of infection.