Prevalence and factors associated with Hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant mothers attending antenatal services at Entebbe regional referral hospital in Wakiso district.  A cross-sectional study.

Faith Nambuya; Anthony Ssekitoleko; Hasifah Nansereko; Franscisco Ssemuwemba; Jane Frank  Nalubega; Immaculate Prosperia  Naggulu

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i3.2404

Authors

Faith Nambuya Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences
Anthony Ssekitoleko Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.
Hasifah Nansereko Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.
Franscisco Ssemuwemba Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.
Jane Frank Nalubega Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.
Immaculate Prosperia Naggulu Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i3.2404

Keywords:

Hepatitis B virus, Pregnant women, Antenatal care, Mother-to-child transmission, Wakiso District, Uganda

Abstract

Background:

Pregnant women represent a vulnerable group due to the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and mother-to-child transmission. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with HBV infection among pregnant mothers attending antenatal services at Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital in Wakiso District.

Methodology:

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 128 pregnant women selected using simple random sampling. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and risk factors were collected using structured questionnaires. Blood samples were obtained and tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using rapid diagnostic test kits following standard laboratory procedures. Data were analyzed using SPSS and presented in tables and figures.

Results:

The prevalence of HBV infection among the participants was 7.0% (9/128), indicating intermediate endemicity. Higher infection rates were observed among mothers aged 30–34 years (13.3%), single mothers (19.2%), those with no formal education (14.3%), and rural residents (11.9%). Behavioral and medical factors significantly associated with HBV infection included having multiple sexual partners (14.3%), sharing sharp instruments (12.5%), a history of blood transfusion (8.3%), and tattooing or piercing (8.3%). Vaccinated participants had a lower prevalence (3.6%) compared to unvaccinated mothers (9.7%), suggesting a protective effect of vaccination.

Conclusion:

The study revealed a moderate prevalence of HBV infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care, with behavioral risk factors and lack of vaccination being key contributors. Strengthened preventive interventions are therefore necessary.

Recommendations:

Routine antenatal HBV screening should be enhanced, vaccination programs expanded for women of reproductive age, and health education intensified to improve awareness of transmission and prevention.

Author Biographies

Faith Nambuya , Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences

is a student of a diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.

Anthony Ssekitoleko, Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.

is a research supervisor at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.

Hasifah Nansereko, Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.

is a research supervisor at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.

Franscisco Ssemuwemba, Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.

is a research supervisor at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.

Jane Frank Nalubega, Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.

is a research supervisor at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences

Immaculate Prosperia Naggulu, Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.

is a research supervisor at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences

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