Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice towards Hepatitis B Virus among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards hepatitis B and C virus infection and associated factors among adults living at selected woredas in Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver tissue. It is one of the serious public health problems. Though an individuals' knowledge, attitude, and practice level is very vital in order to ensure the control of its adverse health impacts, little is known regarding these issues in the community level. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice towards hepatitis B and C virus infection and associated factors among adults living at selected woredas in Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

METHODS

Community based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 633 adults living at selected woredas in Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Data were collected by pretested, well-structured questionnaire. The collected data were checked, coded and entered into Epi-data version 4.6.0.2 and were exported to SPSS version 25 for analyses. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were done to identify independent factors associated with knowledge, attitude, and practice towards hepatitis B and C virus infection.

RESULTS

According to this study, 366(58.1%), 95% CI: (54.23-61.96) of the participants had good knowledge. 381(60.5%), 95% CI: (56.65-64.30) of the participants had favourable attitude. 317(50.3%), 95% CI: (46.40-54.23) of the participants had good practice. From factor analysis, sex, number of sexual partners, sharing sharp material, and vaccination status were significantly associated with knowledge; residence, occupational status, income level, sharing sharp material, and vaccination status were significantly associated with attitude; and residence, occupational status, and vaccination status were identified to be significantly associated with practice towards Hepatitis B and C virus infection.

CONCLUSION

Based on the study findings, it could be observed that good knowledge, favourable attitude, and good practice were indicated nearly above the half, only by half, and nearly above the half of the study participants respectively. Implementing actions that could increase awareness regarding limiting the number of sexual partner, not sharing sharp materials, and urbanization is recommended. Moreover, woreda administrators, and other related authorities should consider knowledge, attitude, and practice as an implementation area, and also it would be better to create an opportunities to promote vaccination practices.

Toward the elimination of hepatitis B: networking to promote the prevention of vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus through population-based interventions and multidisciplinary groups in Africa

The WHO African Region had 81 million people with chronic hepatitis B in 2019, which remains a silent killer. Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis delta virus (HDV), and HIV can be transmitted from the mother to child. If the HBV infection is acquired at infancy, it may lead to chronic hepatitis B in 90% of the cases. WHO reports that 6.4 million children under 5 years live with chronic hepatitis B infection worldwide. The prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HBV is therefore critical in the global elimination strategy of viral hepatitis as we take lessons from PMTCT of HIV programs in Africa. We sought to create a network of multidisciplinary professional and civil society volunteers with the vision to promote cost-effective, country-driven initiatives to prevent the MTCT of HBV in Africa. In 2018, the Mother-Infant Cohort Hepatitis B Network (MICHep B Network) with members from Cameroon, Zimbabwe, and the United Kingdom and later from Chad, Gabon, and Central African Republic was created. The long-term objectives of the network are to organize capacity-building and networking workshops, create awareness among pregnant women, their partners, and the community, promote the operational research on MTCT of HBV, and extend the network activities to other African countries. The Network organized in Cameroon, two "Knowledge, Attitude and Practice" (KAP) surveys, one in-depth interview of 45 health care workers which revealed a high acceptability of the hepatitis B vaccine by families, two in-person workshops in 2018 and 2019, and one virtual in 2021 with over 190 participants, as well as two workshops on grant writing, bioethics, and biostatistics of 30 postgraduate students. Two HBV seroprevalence studies in pregnant women were conducted in Cameroon and Zimbabwe, in which a prevalence of 5.8% and 2.7%, respectively, was reported. The results and recommendations from the MICHep B Network activities could be implemented in countries of the MICHep B Network and beyond, with the goal of providing free birth dose vaccine against hepatitis B in Africa.

Information seeking behavior on hepatitis B virus, and its associated factors among pregnant women at teaching and specialized hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection continues to be a major public health issue worldwide. Health information-seeking behavior is critical to obtain information about health, diseases such as the Hepatitis B virus, health risks, and health promotion and it has become a major concern of health policymakers. However, there is little evidence of information-seeking behavior on the Hepatitis B virus in Ethiopia. So, this study aimed to assess Hepatitis B virus information-seeking behavior and its associated factors among pregnant women at teaching and Specialized Hospitals, in Northwest Ethiopia.

METHODS

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women at teaching and specialized hospitals, in Northwest Ethiopia from May 01 to June 01, 2022. A total of 423 participants were selected using a systematic random sampling method. The data was collected through an interview-administered questionnaire by kobo-collect software. Then export into SPSS version 20 for analysis. Descriptive statistics, bi-variable, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done to identify factors associated with Hepatitis B virus information-seeking behavior.

RESULTS

The proportion of information-seeking behavior on the Hepatitis B virus among pregnant women was 40.5% (CI = 35.7, 45.6). Education(diploma and above) [AOR = 3.3, 95% CI (1.31, 8.16)], more than one ANC visit [AOR = 5.99, 95% CI (3.20, 12.31)], smart-phone ownership [AOR = 4.1, 95%CI (1.35, 12.31)], internet access [AOR = 5.1, 95%CI (1.35, 15.60)], perceived susceptibility [AOR = 2.7, 95%CI (1.38, 5.31)], perceived severity [AOR = 3.7, 95%CI (2.06, 6.55)], and self-efficacy [AOR = 1.9, 95%CI (1.03, 3.73)] were factors influencing information seeking on Hepatitis B virus.

CONCLUSION

The overall proportion of information-seeking behavior on HBV among pregnant women was low. To improve information-seeking behavior on HBV among pregnant women we should connect the women to the internet and technology. Creating women's awareness about the Hepatitis B virus severity and their venerability and increasing their antenatal care (ANC) visits, self-efficacy, internet access, and women's education can improve information seeking about the Hepatitis B virus.

Assessment of hepatitis-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices on quality of life with the moderating role of internalized stigma among hepatitis B-positive patients in Pakistan

Aim

This study aimed to assess the Pakistani hepatitis B patients' knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards hepatitis management and the impact of self-management on the quality of life of hepatitis B patients as well as the moderating role of stigmatization.

Methods

A cross-sectional study design was used, and the data was collected from a total of 432 hepatitis B positive patients through a self-designed questionnaire. The studied subjects consisted of men (n = 205, 47%), women (n = 165, 38%), and transgender (n = 62, 14%). The obtained data were statistically analyzed using SPSS software version 26.0 for Windows.

Results

The mean age of the study participants was 48. Knowledge has a significant positive relationship with hepatitis self-management and quality of life, whereas knowledge has a negative relationship with stigmatization. Furthermore, multivariate analysis revealed that men were more knowledgeable about the disease than women and transgender people (6.14 ± 2.08 vs. 3.23 ± 1.61 vs. 1.03 ± 0.73, F = 8.2**, p = .000). On the scale of attitude and practice, significant gender differences were found. Women had more experience with hepatitis self-management than men or transgender (4.21 ± 13.0 vs. 2.17 ± 6.02 vs. 0.37 ± 0.31, F = 6.21**, p = .000). The regression analysis showed that self-management has a positive association with quality of life (B = 0.36, p = .001). The moderation analysis revealed that stigmatization negatively moderates the relationship between self-management and quality of life (B = -0.53, p = .001).

Conclusion

Generally, patients had good knowledge about the disease and its self-management. However, a societal and community-level awareness campaign should be organized on the quality of life and stigmatization of people with chronic illness regarding their human rights, dignity, and physical, mental, and social well-being.

Knowledge about Hepatitis E and Influencing Factors among Residents in Qingdao: a Cross-Sectional Study

Hepatitis E infection poses a serious health problem in developing countries. Hepatitis E vaccination is important for prevention, but it is influenced by residents' knowledge. Qingdao residents' knowledge of hepatitis E remains unknown. This study used an online survey on the WeChat platform. The chi-square test was used to compare the hepatitis E influencing factors between the subgroups. Binary logistic regression was used for multiple factor analysis to explore the hepatitis E influencing factors. The total awareness rate of hepatitis E was 60.51%. Females aged between 51 and 60, aged 61 and above, and working in government-affiliated departments were found to have higher awareness rates than other subgroups. Participants with family members infected with hepatitis E had a lower awareness rate. The government and relevant departments should focus on education regarding the hepatitis E vaccination and disease process.

Knowledge and Willingness to Utilize Hepatitis B Preventive Measures among Pregnant Women in Ado-Ekiti, Southwest, Nigeria

Introduction

Mother-to-child transmission remains an important mode of transmission of hepatitis B infection particularly in endemic areas. The knowledge and practices of pregnant women about mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) may influence the uptake of strategies to reduce mother-to-child transmission of infection.

Objectives

This study assessed the knowledge and willingness to uptake hepatitis B virus infection preventive services among pregnant women in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study that involved 373 pregnant women at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) and Maternal Child Specialist Clinics, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to assess their knowledge, practices, and perceptions about MTCT of hepatitis B infection.

Results

Only 52.5% (196) of the respondents had good knowledge, although the majority 290 (77.7%) had heard of hepatitis B infection prior to the survey. Only 147 (39.4%) of the respondents had ever had hepatitis B screening. More persons with professional jobs had good knowledge about hepatitis B infection compared with other occupations (p < 0.001). However, more respondents aged 30-34 years had poor knowledge about hepatitis B infection compared with other age groups (p = 0.045). Respondents with good knowledge about hepatitis B infection were willing to uptake hepatitis B infection prevention services (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study showed that respondents with professional jobs had good knowledge about hepatitis B infection and those who had good knowledge about the infection were willing to utilize hepatitis B preventive measures. Awareness of MTCT of HBV did not translate into good practice as only few respondents had screened for hepatitis B. There is a need to intensify education about modes of transmission of hepatitis B infection with an emphasis on promoting good preventive practices.

Knowledge and Prevention of Vertical Transmission of Hepatitis B Infection: A Cross-Sectional Study among Pregnant Females in Varanasi, India

Background

300 million individuals worldwide suffer from chronic HBV infection. India, an intermediate endemicity zone, has a 3-4% HBsAg prevalence in the general population and 0.9-11.2% among pregnant women. As 95% of infantile infections progress to chronicity, vertical transmission is a vital intervention area. To assess the knowledge of pregnant women and post-natal mothers concerning Hepatitis-B infection transmission and prevention.

Material and Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 143 participants (124 pregnant females and 19 postnatal mothers) attending the antenatal clinic at the rural block primary health center. A semi-structured questionnaire was used. Blood samples were evaluated for HBsAg using RAPIKIT. SPSS-22 was utilized for descriptive statistical analysis.

Results

91.6% of respondents had heard of Hepatitis. 1.4% stated that it can be caused by a virus, whereas 40% identified consumption of oily, spicy, and unhygienic food as causative. 67.1% of respondents underwent blood tests but could not specify what they were screened for. 5.2% were HBsAg positive. ~40% were aware of vertical transmission. 59.4% of respondents were unaware of any preventive modality, and 7.7% said vaccination is preventive. 97.9% had never been counseled during their antenatal period by health workers. 41.1% said that their newborns were vaccinated within 24 hours of birth.

Conclusion

Findings emphasize the paucity of knowledge possessed by pregnant women and post-natal mothers concerning Hepatitis B causation, transmission, and prevention regardless of age, education, or socioeconomic status. Misconceptions were prevalent, and counseling was inadequate.

Assessment of Knowledge, Stigmatizing Attitudes and Health-Seeking Behaviors Regarding Hepatitis B Virus Infection in a Pharmacy and Community Setting in Sierra Leone: A Cross-Sectional Study

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major global health challenge. Emerging evidence suggests that poor knowledge and stigma are impacting HBV control efforts in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), but their role is not well understood. We conducted a cross-sectional study of adults aged ≥18 years in a community and pharmacy setting in Freetown, Sierra Leone. A structured questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, stigmatizing attitudes and health-seeking behaviors regarding HBV. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of HBV knowledge and related stigma. A total of 306 adult participants were enrolled (50.7% male, 7.5% HBV positive and 11.7% vaccinated). Overall, 52.2% had good HBV knowledge and 49.3% expressed a stigmatizing attitude towards people with HBV. Notwithstanding, 72.2% stated they would receive the HBV vaccine if offered, 80.4% would take anti-HBV medication and 78.8% would be willing to attend clinic regularly. Good HBV knowledge was associated with HBV positive status (aOR 4.41; p = 0.029) and being vaccinated against HBV (aOR 3.30; p = 0.034). HBV-related stigma was associated with secondary or higher level of education (aOR 2.36; p < 0.001), good HBV knowledge (aOR 2.05; p = 0.006) and pharmacy setting (aOR 1.74, p = 0.037). These findings suggest that education and stigma reduction may benefit HBV elimination efforts in SSA.

Predictive factors of vaccination status, knowledge, attitudes, and practice towards prevention of hepatitis B infection among Bangladeshi people: A cross-sectional study

Background and Aims

Infection with the hepatitis B virus is a serious public health problem that is growing all over the world. Therefore, in this context, there is no exception to public participation in disease burden reduction. Consequently, for the first time in Bangladesh, the current study aims to assess the level of vaccination status, knowledge, attitude, and practice of hepatitis B infection among general people.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out between December 15, 2021, and January 17, 2022, including sociodemographic information as well as questions about vaccination status and knowledge, attitude, and practice related to hepatitis B. Data were analyzed using descriptive (frequency) and inferential statistics (Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis H, χ ², binary logistic regression, and spearman's rho correlation coefficient).

Results

Results indicated that about one-third (37.9%) of the 807 participants had received hepatitis B vaccine, with an overall mean score of 11.506 ± 5.403 for knowledge, 5.435 ± 1.038 and 4.252 ± 1.776 for attitude and practice, respectively. Risk factors related to vaccination were age, religion, educational qualification, occupation, residence area, marital status, comorbidity, and family member suffering from hepatitis B. Higher level of knowledge was significantly found among the young people aged between 10 and 29; had higher secondary or tertiary education (median = 13); were employed (median = 13.5, interquartile range [IQR] = 8); living in divisional city (median = 13, IQR = 7); were single (media = 13, IQR = 7); and whose family members were suffering from hepatitis B. Besides, poor practice was observed among those aged between 50 and higher (p = 0.004), had no formal education [p < 0.001), a retired or housewife (p < 0.001), divorced or widowed (p < 0.001), absence of comorbidity (p = 0.02), and whose family members were not infected with hepatitis B (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The results exposed that vaccination rates and preventative behavior are unsatisfactory, which will hinder efforts to eradicate hepatitis B worldwide by the year 2030.

Low knowledge about hepatitis B prevention among pregnant women in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Infants infected perinatally with hepatitis B (HBV) are at the highest risk of developing chronic hepatitis and associated sequelae. Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HBV requires improved screening and awareness of the disease. This study evaluated existing HBV knowledge among pregnant mothers (n = 280) enrolled in two HBV studies in urban maternity centers in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. All mothers responded to three knowledge questions upon study enrollment. Baseline levels of knowledge related to HBV transmission, treatment, prevention, and symptoms were low across all participants: 68.8% did not know how HBV was transmitted, 70.7% did not know how to prevent or treat HBV MTCT, and 79.6% did not know signs and symptoms of HBV. Over half of participants responded "I don't know" to all questions. HBV-positive women who participated in both studies (n = 46) were asked the same questions during both studies and showed improved knowledge after screening and treatment, despite no formal educational component in either study (p < 0.001). These findings highlight the need for intensified education initiatives in highly endemic areas to improve PMTCT efforts.

Determinants of overall knowledge and health behaviours in relation to hepatitis B and C among ever-married women in Pakistan: evidence based on Demographic and Health Survey 2017-18

Background

In 2019, around 5 million and 10 million people were affected by hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) respectively in Pakistan. On World Hepatitis Day 2019, Pakistan’s Government announced the Prime Minister’s Plan to eliminate HBV and HCV from the country by 2030. In order to achieve this goal, adequate knowledge about HBV and HCV regarding mode of transmission, symptoms of the disease, and awareness about available treatments and vaccines is imperative. The present study aims to investigate the determinants related to overall knowledge about and behaviour in relation to HBV and HCV amongst married women in Pakistan.

Methods

Secondary data analysis was carried out using the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) 2017–18. A series of questions regarding women’s knowledge about how to avoid HBV and HCV and their health behaviour in relation to HBV and HCV were posed to 12,364 ever-married women of reproductive age (15–49 years). Bivariate and multivariable logistic and linear regression was applied to examine the effects of sociodemographic characteristics and covariates on women’s overall knowledge and health behaviour regarding HBV and HCV.

Results

The findings highlight that the majority of women (88.3%) have heard of HBV and HCV. Nonetheless, only 34.8% had comprehensive knowledge about how to avoid HBV and HCV. Few women (11.3%) had been tested for HBV or HCV during the year preceding the survey. Furthermore, the results indicate that women living in urban areas, being older, and having more than 10 years of schooling, reported better knowledge and health behaviours regarding HBV and HCV.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that women’s sociodemographic characteristics create differences in their overall knowledge about and attitudes towards HBV and HCV. This research emphasized that there is a need to create awareness about the causes and prevention of HBV and HCV in order to achieve the goal of eliminating these diseases in Pakistan by 2030.

Knowledge, attitude, and behaviors toward liver health and viral hepatitis-related liver diseases in Thailand

This study aimed to quantify and evaluate the knowledge and awareness toward liver health and diseases as well as explore the attitudes and knowledge toward screening, diagnosis, and treatment of liver disease among the Thai population.This is a cross-sectional, self-reported and web-based questionnaire study. Awareness, perceptions and attitudes toward liver-related health and diseases as well as screening, diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases were assessed among 500 Thai adults.Respondents were mostly ≥35 years (62.0%) and females (52.0%). While there was an overall awareness regarding viral hepatitis as the main etiology of liver failure/cancer, respondents expressed misperceptions that hint at social stigmatization or discrimination toward infected individuals. A significant proportion lacked knowledge of liver screening tests and relevant diagnostic tests for viral hepatitis-related liver diseases. Screening or treatment costs and perception of being healthy were among reasons for not seeking medical consultation when exposed to risk factors or diagnosed. Treatment practices of hepatitis included prescription medication (59.1%), functional foods (51.8%) and traditional treatment (28.2%). Multivariate analysis identified income, recent health screening status and being diagnosed with liver disease(s) as significant predictors of the knowledge, attitude, and behaviors of the Thai population toward liver diseases.This study highlighted a degree of misperception and lack of in-depth understanding toward hepatitis-related liver diseases including poor attitudes and knowledge toward screening, diagnosis, and treatment of liver diseases. Factors identified suggest an unmet need to encourage proactive health-seeking behaviors to reduce transmission risks of hepatitis-related liver diseases within the community.

Prevalence and knowledge of hepatitis B infection in pregnant women in a primary health center of Patna district, Bihar

Introduction:

There is a risk of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV)infection to the newborn through perinatal transmission from a hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive mother that can later cause liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. This study was undertaken in a primary health center (PHC)in the Patna district to determine the prevalence of HBV among pregnant women and assess their knowledge across different characteristics.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional study was done among 275 pregnant women attending the PHC for the first time, using consecutive sampling. The study duration was 12 months. Socioeconomic, obstetric, risk history, and levels of knowledge about hepatitis B were collected followed by rapid diagnostic test (RDT)for serum HBsAg. Univariate analysis was used to compare the knowledge levels across different background characteristics. The significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results:

Hepatitis B-positive pregnant women were 0.4%. Out of the 275 participants, only 43 had heard about hepatitis B. The mean knowledge score was 0.65 (±1.73) with 1.45% having adequate knowledge. The knowledge score was significant across education (P 0.040), category (P 0.022), hepatitis B immunization status (P 0.003), and risk factor (P 0.039).

Conclusion:

Knowledge was higher in the literate women belonging to the general category and higher social class, who received hepatitis B vaccination. However, the overall level of knowledge among the pregnant women was very poor, so they should be targeted for quality health education. Additionally, identifying the afflicted pregnant women through point-of-contact diagnosis will aid in community prevention of chronic hepatitis B.

A mixed-methods evaluation of hepatitis B knowledge, attitudes, and practices among migrant women in Thailand

BACKGROUND

Globally 90 % of transmission of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is from mother-to child and occurs predominantly in resource limited countries where the prevalence of HBV is high. Transmission could be interrupted by timely vaccinations but coverage remains problematic in these areas. Low knowledge or awareness of HBV may play a part in low vaccination coverage. This study examines the provision of antenatal care counselling with a focus on HBV in two different regions of northern Thailand, Sarapee Hospital (SH), Chiang Mai, and Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU), Tak Province.

METHODS

A mixed-methods sequential explanatory study design was used to evaluate antenatal services for migrants. Cross-sectional knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) surveys were conducted immediately after counselling at first ANC contact, at 3-6 months after first ANC contact and at delivery. Surveys provided quantitative data, and qualitative methods included observations, focus group discussions (FGD) and in-depth interviews (IDI); analysed thematically to explore concepts of knowledge and understanding, attitude and practice of pregnant women and providers.

RESULTS

Between September-2019 and May-2020, 757 women participated to KAP surveys, and 31 observations of counselling, 16 FGD and 9 IDI were conducted. KAP surveys showed in spite of low knowledge about HBV transmission, infection, or vaccination (correct response: SH 5.7 %, 9/157; SMRU 34.0 %, 204/600), most women (≥ 93 %, either site) understood they were screened for HBV and were willing to vaccinate infants for HBV. In explaining KAP survey results, qualitative analysis suggests counselling should: use the appropriate language; be tailored to the local health literacy level, provide only pertinent information, be repeated over the antenatal period; and attempt to ensure patient privacy (where possible). Programme effectiveness benefits from positive attitudes to screening and vaccinations and a high level of trust in the providers nevertheless participants provided good suggestions for improvements of the service.

CONCLUSIONS

Limited knowledge of HBV among migrant women can be improved by counselling that emphasizes actionable knowledge such as vaccination schedule. Key improvements to the counselling process include training counsellors to conduct interactive counselling sessions in the woman's language, using appropriate visual aids and timely repetition over the course of the antenatal period.

Experimental and molecular predictions of the adjuvanticity of snail mucin on hepatitis B vaccine in albino mice

Although aluminum-containing adjuvants are widely used in human vaccination due to their excellent safety profile, they exhibit low effectiveness with many recombinant antigens. This study investigated the adjuvanticity of snail mucin with recombinant Hepatitis B Vaccine (rHBsAg). Twenty-five (25) female mice distributed unbiasedly into 5 groups were used in the study and were administered different rHBsAg/Mucin formulation at 7 days intervals. Blood samples were collected a day following the administration for analysis. The results of liver function and body weight analysis were indications that snail mucin had no adverse effect on the mice. The treatment group (administer mucin and rHBsAg) showed significantly (P<0.05) higher mean titres of anti-HBsAg antibodies when compared with the negative controls and the positive control administered with two doses of rHBsAg after the boost doses (day 28). Furthermore, a comparable immune response to positive control administered with three doses rHBaAG was recorded. In silico prediction, studies of the protein-protein interaction of a homology modelled snail mucus protein and HBsAg gave an indication of enhanced HBV antigen-antibody interaction. Therefore, this study has shown that snail mucin possesses some adjuvant properties and enhances immune response towards rHBsAg vaccine. However, there is a need for further molecular dynamics studies to understand its mechanism of action.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Associated Factors Towards Vertical Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Tertiary Hospitals in Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

PURPOSE

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem globally. Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HBV is high in endemic countries; however, little is known about pregnant women`s knowledge and attitudes regarding MTCT and prevention methods in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and associated factors of pregnant women towards MTCT of HBV and its prevention in three tertiary hospitals in the Amhara region, northwestern Ethiopia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1, 2018 to September 30, 2019. A total of 1121 pregnant women participated in the study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the sociodemographic, knowledge, and attitudes of pregnant women towards MTCT of HBV and its prevention. Data were analyzed using SPPS version 20. χ 2-test, multivariate logistic regression, Spearman correlation, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

The majority of 89.6%; 95% CI (87.9-91.3%) pregnant women had poor knowledge of MTCT of HBV and its prevention. However, more than half of the study participants had favorable attitudes. Only 141 (12.6%) of the pregnant women knew that HBV transmitted from mother-to-child and 169 (15.1%) knew that HBV had a vaccine. There was a significant difference in attitude between the three hospitals (P<0.001). In multivariable analysis, education, gravida and vaccination history were independent factors significantly associated with good knowledge and favorable attitudes while income and residence significantly associated only to knowledge and attitude, respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between the knowledge and attitude of pregnant women (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The knowledge of pregnant women was found to be poor and their attitude was also limited to MTCT of HBV infection and its prevention. Educational status and vaccination history were predictors of knowledge and attitude, but income and residence only to knowledge and attitude, respectively. This study revealed a lack of knowledge in pregnant women for the prevention and control of MTCT of HBV. This calls for the Amhara Health Bureau and Ministry of Health to promote health education programs for pregnant women attending antenatal care on MTCT of HBV and its prevention methods to improve knowledge and attitudes.

Prevalence and associated risk factors for Hepatitis B and C viruses among refugees in Gambella, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Currently, there is an increased flow of refugees into Ethiopia from neighboring countries. However, there are no post-arrival screening mechanisms for hepatitis B and C viruses which could be an additional burden for the local population. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors for hepatitis B and C viruses among refugees in Gambella, Ethiopia. It also aimed to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice concerning hepatitis B and C viruses among participants.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 453 refugees in Gambella, Ethiopia from January until May 2018. A questionnaire was used to collect data on refugees' socio-demographic, risk factors, and KAP of hepatitis B and C infections. Five milliliters of blood sample were collected from each participant and the serum was used for HBsAg and anti-HCV antibody screening rapid tests. Positive samples were further tested by ELISA method. Data were performed using SPSS version 20, and a p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV among refugees was 7.3% (33/453) and 2.0% (9/453) respectively. Of these, 6.8% (25/370) and 1.4% (5/370) of females were positive for HBsAg and anti-HCV, whereas 9.6% (8/83) and 4.8% (4/83) of males were positive for HBsAg and anti-HCV. The age group of 18-29 and 30-41 years old were related to HCV infection (P = 0.003 and P = 0.020). However, proposed risk factors were not related to HBV and HCV infections. Knowledge assessment showed that 86.5% (392/453) did not know how HBV and HCV infections are transmitted, and 86.8% (393/453) had no information about the availability of HBV vaccine.

CONCLUSION

This study showed intermediate prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus in a large refugee camp in Ethiopia. The prevalence of hepatitis C virus was found to increase with age, but no other risk factor for either virus identified as significant. Refugees' understanding of hepatitis B and C was very limited. This indicates the need for screening policy to be implemented and integrated with other health services and awareness creation about the infection in all refugee camps of Gambella.