Open AccessRisk factors for hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women in Lagos, Nigeria
Author(s) -
RABIU KABIRU A.,
AKINOLA OLUWAROTIMI I.,
ADEWUNMI ADENIYI A.,
OMOLOLU OLUFEMI M.,
OJO TEMITOPE O.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.3109/00016349.2010.482580
Subject(s) - medicine , hbsag , hepatitis b virus , hepatitis b , obstetrics , risk factor , pregnancy , multivariate analysis , gynecology , immunology , virus , biology , genetics
Objectives. To determine the risk factors for hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women in Lagos, Nigeria, and the possible implications for hepatitis B prevention in the country. Design. Prospective case control study. Setting. Lagos Island Maternity Hospital. Methods. Between 1 August 2006 and 31 January 2007, risk factors for hepatitis B infection were determined amongst pregnant women using a structured questionnaire. The women were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) as part of routine antenatal care. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out using logistic regression. Main outcome measures. Risk factors for hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women. Results. Of the 1,052 women attending the antenatal clinic, 6.08% (n = 64) were positive for HBsAg. A total of 61 HBsAg positive and 183 negative controls were interviewed. The significant risk factors for HBV infection were an early age of sexual debut below 19 years (adjusted OR = 2.79; 95% CI = 1.44–5.40; p = 0.0023); history of multiple sexual partners (adjusted OR = 2.02; 95% CI = 1.02–3.98; p = 0.0427); and past history of sexually transmitted infection (adjusted OR = 2.61; 95% CI = 1.15–5.90; p = 0.0214). Of the HBsAg positive women, 45 (73.77%) had at least one of these risk factors while 91 (49.73%) of the controls had at least one risk factor. Conclusion. Screening pregnant for hepatitis B infection on the basis of risk factors may not be effective. Education on modification of lifestyle and sexual behavior as well as non‐selective screening of pregnant women for HBV infection is recommended.