Abstract:
Hepatitis B virus is a major public health problem worldwide and is more prevalent in developing countries which Nigeria is
one. It is commonly transmitted during pregnancy, as it has been shown to pose substantial risk to pregnant women and the developing
fetus which result in chronic carrier state and high mortality rate. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus
(HBV) among pregnant women receiving antenatal care at Medical Centre Mararaba, Nasarawa State. A Randomized cross sectional
study was utilized for this study. Three hundred and thirteen pregnant women were screened for hepatitis B virus. A questionnaire was
designed to obtain relevant socio demographic information from the participating pregnant women. 5ml of blood samples was collected
through vein puncture method into a microtitre tube containing Ethylene DiamineTetraacetic Acid (EDTA). Blood Samples were investigated
for hepatitis B virus using immunochromatographic method. 20 (6.4%) of the pregnant women screened were positive for HBV. The
highest prevalence rate in relation to age was found among pregnant women between the ages of 25-34 years with 4.15% seropositivity.
Pregnant women in their second trimester had the highest prevalence of 5.11%, there was a significance difference between HBV and
trimester at (P>0.05). There was a significant association between HBV and occupation at (P>0.05) were housewives and business
women had the highest prevalence with 3.2% and 2.9%, the lowest prevalence rate 0.32% was recorded among civil servants. There was
a statistically insignificant relationship between tribal marks as a risk factor and sharp objects (P<0.05) and HBV infection. There was a
statistically significant association (P>0.05), between HBV infection and blood transfusion. This study confirms the prevalence of the
infection in the population studied. Routine screening of pregnant women should continue in order to identify and treat the infection,
thereby eradicating the risk of vertical transmission.
