Risk factors for hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women in Lagos, Nigeria.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the risk factors for hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women in Lagos, Nigeria, and the possible implications for hepatitis B prevention in the country.


METHODS
Prospective case control study.


METHODS
Lagos Island Maternity Hospital.


METHODS
Between 1 August 2006 and 31 January 2007, risk factors for hepatitis B infection were determined amongst pregnant women using a structured questionnaire. The women were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) as part of routine antenatal care. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out using logistic regression.


METHODS
Risk factors for hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women.


RESULTS
Of the 1,052 women attending the antenatal clinic, 6.08% (n = 64) were positive for HBsAg. A total of 61 HBsAg positive and 183 negative controls were interviewed. The significant risk factors for HBV infection were an early age of sexual debut below 19 years (adjusted OR = 2.79; 95% CI = 1.44-5.40; p = 0.0023); history of multiple sexual partners (adjusted OR = 2.02; 95% CI = 1.02-3.98; p = 0.0427); and past history of sexually transmitted infection (adjusted OR = 2.61; 95% CI = 1.15-5.90; p = 0.0214). Of the HBsAg positive women, 45 (73.77%) had at least one of these risk factors while 91 (49.73%) of the controls had at least one risk factor.


CONCLUSIONS
Screening pregnant for hepatitis B infection on the basis of risk factors may not be effective. Education on modification of lifestyle and sexual behavior as well as non-selective screening of pregnant women for HBV infection is recommended.
Rabiu
Kabiru A
KA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. derabs@yahoo.co.uk
Akinola
Oluwarotimi I
OI
Adewunmi
Adeniyi A
AA
Omololu
Olufemi M
OM
Ojo
Temitope O
TO
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003075:Coitus; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011295:Prenatal Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens