HBV, HCV and HIV Infections among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at the Health Facilities in Ekiti South, Nigeria
B. T. Osuolale *
Department of Health Sciences, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science, and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
I.A. Simon-Oke
Department of Biology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.
O. J. Afolabi
Department of Biology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.
B. O. Oladejo
Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are blood-borne infections with the potential for mother-to-child transmission and remain important concerns in antenatal care in sub-Saharan Africa. This cross-sectional study determined the seroprevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV among pregnant women attending selected health facilities in Ekiti South Senatorial District, Nigeria. A total of 710 pregnant women were recruited from six Local Government Areas: Ekiti South West, Ikere, Ise, Emure, Ekiti East, and Gbonyin. Sociodemographic data and information on knowledge, awareness, and attitudes were collected using a structured questionnaire. Venous blood specimens were obtained aseptically and screened for hepatitis B surface antigen, anti-HCV antibodies, and HIV antibodies. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to assess prevalence and associations at p < 0.05. The overall seroprevalence was 2.5% (18/710) for HBV, 1.5% (11/710) for HIV, and 0% for HCV. No co-infection was detected. Age group was significantly associated with HIV infection (p < 0.001), whereas location, marital status, residence, gestational age, education, and occupation were not significantly associated with HIV status. HBsAg positivity was not significantly associated with any assessed sociodemographic variable. The findings indicate an intermediate level of HBV endemicity in the study population and support sustained antenatal screening, linkage to care, health education, HBV vaccination, and prevention of mother-to-child transmission services.
Keywords: Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus, pregnant women, antenatal care, seroprevalence, mother-to-child transmission, HBsAg, Screening, Nigeria