Prevalence of Hepatitis B Viral Infection Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in General Hospital Talata Mafara

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, 
where vertical transmission is common. This study investigated the prevalence 
and risk factors of HBV infection among pregnant women attending antenatal 
care at General Hospital Talata Mafara, Zamfara State, Nigeria. Using a cross
sectional design, data were collected from 40 participants through structured 
questionnaires and serological testing for HBsAg, and analyzed using chi
square tests. The prevalence of HBV was 11.4% (95% CI: 4.95–23.98), 
indicating a hyperendemic setting. Age, ethnicity, and education were not 
significantly associated with infection, whereas occupation and a history of 
blood transfusion showed strong associations with HBV positivity. Importantly, 
none of the vaccinated women tested positive, underscoring the protective role 
of immunization. These findings highlight the need for routine HBV screening in 
pregnancy, improved blood safety protocols, expanded vaccination coverage, 
and targeted public health education, particularly for rural and informally 
employed populations