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African Health Sciences
Makerere University Medical School
ISSN: 1680-6905
EISSN: 1680-6905
Vol. 15, No. 3, 2015, pp. 709-713
Bioline Code: hs15099
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge

African Health Sciences, Vol. 15, No. 3, 2015, pp. 709-713

 en Seroprevalence and risk factors of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C infections among pregnant women in the Asante Akim North Municipality of the Ashanti region, Ghana; a cross sectional study.
Ephraim, Richard; Donko, Isaac; Sakyi Samuel A.; Ampong, Joyce & Agbodjakey, Hope

Abstract

Background: Viral hepatitis is a serious public health problem affecting billions of people globally with maternal-fetal transmission on the rise.
Objectives: This study sought to determine the prevalence and factors associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among pregnant women in the Asante Akim North Municipality, in the Ashanti region of Ghana.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study 168 pregnant women were recruited from the Agogo Presbyterian hospital. Blood samples were collected for the detection of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibodies. A pretested questionnaire was used to obtain demographic data and identify the risk factors associated with the two infections.
Results: Of the 168 participants studied, 16 (9.5%) tested positive for HBV and 13 (7.7%) tested positive for HCV representing 9.5% and 7.7% respectively. A participant tested positive for both HBV and HCV co-infection representing 0.6%. Undertaking blood transfusion, tattooing and sharing of needles were associated with hepatitis C infection (P=0.001). HBV was not associated with any of the risk factors (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Our findings suggest a high prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C among pregnant women; blood transfusion, tattooing and sharing of hypodermic needles were associated with hepatitis C nfection. Measures to reduce the disease and transmission burden must be introduced.

Keywords
Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, pregnant women, seroprevalence, risk factors, Ghana

 
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