title: The prevalence and risk factors for hepatitis B surface ag positivity in pregnant women in eastern region of ghana.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity in pregnant Ghanaian women.
  
  
  METHODS
  We surveyed 1,500 pregnant women in Eastern region of Ghana. Direct interviews were performed by trained nurses using standardized questionnaires. Pregnant women were screened for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B infections, hemoglobin levels and sickle cell anemia as part of the antenatal check-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The overall HBsAg positive rate was 10.6%, which varied among districts (13.8% for Kwahu West, 12.4% for Upper Manya, and 2.2% for Yilo Krobo). HBsAg positivity was significantly higher in women with depression (odds ratio [OR], 3.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.13 to 6.57) and HIV (OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.06 to 3.89). Age, education, and gravidity were not related to HBsAg positivity. Anti-hepatitis B immunoglobulin for newborns of HBsAg-positive mothers is not provided at birth in public health facilities in Ghana. However, hepatitis B vaccination is provided as part of a routine vaccination schedule starting at 6 weeks of age.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  To prevent mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B, screening tests for HBsAg in pregnant women and hepatitis B vaccination of newborns immediately after birth need to be performed in this region.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea.
authors.forename: Younmo
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bonsu
authors.forename: Arko
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Akoto-Ampaw
authors.forename: Grace
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nkrumah-Mills
authors.forename: Julia J A
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Nimo
authors.forename: Jin Kyung
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Moran
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ki