Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) among Antenatal Clinic Attendees in Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

The aim of this research was to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBsAg) among antenatal clinic attendees in Massaka, Karu Local Government Area of Nassarawa State, North Central Nigeria. Formal consent was obtained from the State Hospital Board to carry out the survey. The study which involved 200 pregnant women aged 18-45 years randomly selected using a systematic random sampling technique was conducted between the months of May-June was a cross sectional health facility-based study. Structured questionnaire was used to generate data from respondents, after which blood samples aseptically collected were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen. Socio-demographic characteristics as well as some of the factors that influence infection were evaluated. Results obtained from the study revealed a 6.5% prevalence rate of infection in the studied population. Prevalence of infection among the subjects within the age range of 35-45 years was lowest (5.8%). However, while it was 5.2% for the married, it was 6.6% for the unmarried. Prevalence of infection was higher among the category with no formal education. Similarly, prevalence was higher among the rural dwellers (6.8%) than their urban counterparts (5.6%). Factors examined were not statistically significant predisposing to HBV infection. In conclusion, the prevalence of HBsAg among ante-natal clinic attendees in Masaka was (6.5%) lower than the reported national prevalence (14.1%). Owing the outcome of this study, it is recommended that improved surveillance for HBV infection and screening of women attending ANC be instituted.