Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Kabba and to identify risk factors for hepatitis B viral infection in pregnant women. One hundred and ninety-eight (198) pregnant women who consented voluntarily after thorough explanation of the purpose of the study were recruited for this study. The blood samples were tested for the presence of antibodies against HBV using rapid test strip. With SPSS 16.0, Chi square statistical test was used to establish association between the risk factors and HBsAg seropositivity. Analysis of the result shows that 3(1.51%) of the pregnant women had HBsAg which categorize Kabba among low prevalence of HBV infection. Statistical analysis, however, showed no significant difference (p>0.05) between the prevalence and the age of patients. Tattoo/tribal mark (p = 0.057); marital status (p = 0.479), Number of sexual partner (p = 0.493), blood transfusion (p = 0.687), History of surgery (p = 0.160), history of vaccination (p = 0.779), were not significantly associated with HBsAg seropositivity among the study patients because p>0.05, on the contrary educational status showed a statistical significance (p = 0.010). This study, however, confirmed Hepatitis B Surface antigenemia among apparently healthy pregnant women in Kabba, Kogi State, Nigeria.