Perceived risk factors and preventive practices of Hepatitis B viral infection among pregnant women in Nigerian hospitals: A cross-sectional study

Objective: The study assessed the perceived risk factors and prevention practices of HBV infection among preg-nant women in Nigerian hospitals.Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 343 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at two purposefully selected primary health care centers in Ile-Ife. Women were included in the study using systematic sampling. A structured researcher-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential (Chi-square test and Logistic regression) statistical analysis were carried out.Results: More than half (53%) of the respondents had a low perceived risk for hepatitis. Majority (73.5%) had been screened for HBV during the index pregnancy but only 30% received complete doses of HBV vaccine. Respondents who underwent HBV screening during pregnancy (OR = 2.06, 95% CI = 0.94 - 4.5), who had completed Hepatitis B vaccination had reduced odds ratios for perceiving risk factors for Hepatitis B Viral Infection (OR = 0.224, 95% CI = 0.94 - 4.5).Conclusion: Pregnant women had a low-risk perception of HBV infection. The low level of risk perception can serve as a basis for developing preventive interventions aimed at educating and empowering expectant mothers in order to prevent HBV infection and its transmission to their children.

Automated summary

This study assessed the risk factors and prevention practices of HBV infection among pregnant women in Nigerian hospitals. The results showed that the majority of pregnant women had a low risk perception of HBV infection, and only 30% received complete doses of HBV vaccine. Pregnant women who underwent HBV screening and completed Hepatitis B vaccination had lower odds ratios for perceiving risk factors for HBV infection. Therefore, educational interventions are needed to empower expectant mothers and prevent HBV infection.