Abstract:

Globally, hepatitis B and C viral infections during pregnancy is associated with significant risk of maternal complications. There is a high rate of vertical transmission, causing fetal and neonatal hepatitis which can have serious effects on the neonate, leading to impaired mental and physical health later in life.It leads to increase in mortality, morbidity, economic wastage and other health complications. OBJECTIVES. The objective of this study is to identify the correlates of hepatitis B and C virus among pregnant women receiving antenatal care. These include the determination of the seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses among pregnant women, their knowledge, and attitude regarding HBV and HCV infections. METHODOLOGY A descriptive survey design was used. The research was conducted at Obio Cottage Hospital in Obia-Akpor LGA of Rivers State, Nigeria between February 2022 and July 2022. Qualified medical laboratory personnel collected venous blood samples from participants, which were then processed for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies using ELISA kits. Additionally, demographic data were gathered through a questionnaire assessing Age, Parity, Educational status, knowledge, and attitude regarding hepatitis B and C. Descriptive and inferential analyses, utilizing SPSS v.27, Excel, and GraphPad Prism, were conducted on the data collected. RESULTS The mean age of respondents was 30.52 years (±5.03), PCV of 32.04% (±3.24) and a modal parity of 2 (32.81%). There was low seroprevalence rates of hepatitis B (1.41%) and C (0.31%); low level of knowledge (49.76%±14.207%) and positive attitude (45.76%±9.71%) towards hepatitis B and C education level showed no significant differences in seroprevalence (p=0.0811, t=2.180); Significant inverse relationships were noted between attitude and prevalence of both viruses (p=0.0407 for hepatitis B, p=0.0489 for hepatitis C). Increased knowledge and positive attitude were significantly associated with lower prevalence rates (p<0.0001, OR=99.000 for hepatitis B, OR=84.333 for hepatitis C). CONCLUSION There was a low seroprevalence among the respondents with a low level of knowledge but a positive attitude towards Hepatitis B and C. Enhanced Screening Programs, Antenatal Counseling, and Integration of Services are recommended.