title: Seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Honiara Solomon Islands, 2015.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
  
  
  METHODS
  This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in seven area health centers in Honiara. From March to June 2015, identification of eligible pregnant women in each site was conducted using systematic random sampling technique. A total of 243 pregnant women who gave written informed consent were enrolled. Standardized tool was used to record demographics, obstetric history and serology results. HBsAg and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) were tested using point-of-care rapid diagnostic test. All HBsAg positive samples were verified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean age of participants was 26 ± 6 years. The overall hepatitis HBsAg prevalence was 13.8% with higher rate (22%) reported in women between 30-34 years of age. Majority of HBsAg positive participants were Melanesians (29 out for 33). None of the pregnant women in the 15-19 years and ≥ 40 years tested positive for HBsAg. There was no statistically significant difference in HBsAg prevalence by age, ethnicity, education and residential location. The overall HBeAg seroprevalence was 36.7%. Women between 20-24 years of age had the highest rate of 54.5%. Low level of knowledge about hepatitis B vaccination was reputed. Overall, 54.6% of participants were not aware of their hepatitis B vaccination status and only 65.2% of mothers reported their child had been vaccinated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Hepatitis B is a disease of public health importance in Solomon Islands and emphasize the need for integrated preventative interventions for its control.
authors.affiliation: Aneley Getahun, Sabiha Khan, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, College of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Fiji National University, Suva, Fiji Islands.
authors.forename: Aneley
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Getahun
authors.affiliation: Aneley Getahun, Sabiha Khan, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, College of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Fiji National University, Suva, Fiji Islands.
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Baekalia
authors.affiliation: Aneley Getahun, Sabiha Khan, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, College of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Fiji National University, Suva, Fiji Islands.
authors.forename: Nixon
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Panda
authors.affiliation: Aneley Getahun, Sabiha Khan, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, College of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Fiji National University, Suva, Fiji Islands.
authors.forename: Alice
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Aneley Getahun, Sabiha Khan, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, College of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Fiji National University, Suva, Fiji Islands.
authors.forename: Elliot
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Puiahi
authors.affiliation: Aneley Getahun, Sabiha Khan, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, College of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Fiji National University, Suva, Fiji Islands.
authors.forename: Sabiha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.affiliation: Aneley Getahun, Sabiha Khan, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, College of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Fiji National University, Suva, Fiji Islands.
authors.forename: Donald
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tahani
authors.affiliation: Aneley Getahun, Sabiha Khan, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, College of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Fiji National University, Suva, Fiji Islands.
authors.forename: Doris
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Manongi
keywords: Chronic hepatitis; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis B e antigen; Hepatitis B surface antigen; Pregnant women; Seroprevalence; Solomon Islands