The Prevalence and Risk Factors for Hepatitis B Surface Ag Positivity in Pregnant Women in Eastern Region of Ghana.
- Author:
Younmo CHO
1
;
George BONSU
;
Arko AKOTO-AMPAW
;
Grace NKRUMAH-MILLS
;
Julia J A NIMO
;
Jin Kyung PARK
;
Moran KI
Author Information
1. Department of Preventive Medicine, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea. kimoran@eulji.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Hepatitis B;
Ghana;
Pregnant women;
Risk factors;
Prevalence
- MeSH:
Anemia, Sickle Cell;
Appointments and Schedules;
Depression;
Female;
Ghana;
Gravidity;
Hemoglobins;
Hepatitis;
Hepatitis B;
Hepatitis B Surface Antigens;
HIV;
Humans;
Immunoglobulins;
Infant, Newborn;
Mass Screening;
Mothers;
Parturition;
Pregnant Women;
Prevalence;
Public Health;
Risk Factors;
Vaccination;
Surveys and Questionnaires
- From:Gut and Liver
2012;6(2):235-240
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity in pregnant Ghanaian women. METHODS: We surveyed 1,500 pregnant women in Eastern region of Ghana. Direct interviews were performed by trained nurses using standardized questionnaires. Pregnant women were screened for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B infections, hemoglobin levels and sickle cell anemia as part of the antenatal check-up. RESULTS: The overall HBsAg positive rate was 10.6%, which varied among districts (13.8% for Kwahu West, 12.4% for Upper Manya, and 2.2% for Yilo Krobo). HBsAg positivity was significantly higher in women with depression (odds ratio [OR], 3.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.13 to 6.57) and HIV (OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.06 to 3.89). Age, education, and gravidity were not related to HBsAg positivity. Anti-hepatitis B immunoglobulin for newborns of HBsAg-positive mothers is not provided at birth in public health facilities in Ghana. However, hepatitis B vaccination is provided as part of a routine vaccination schedule starting at 6 weeks of age. CONCLUSIONS: To prevent mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B, screening tests for HBsAg in pregnant women and hepatitis B vaccination of newborns immediately after birth need to be performed in this region.
