The seroprevalence of hepatitis-B among pregnant women attending ANC at Tayo Hospital Baidoa-Somalia

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major global public health concern, particularly in high-prevalence regions such as sub-Saharan Africa. In Somalia, maternal HBV screening and vaccination programs are limited, contributing to a high risk of mother-to-child transmission. Objective: To determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and assess related awareness, testing history, and preventive knowledge among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) at Tayo Hospital, Baidoa, Somalia. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 80 pregnant women selected through simple random sampling at Tayo Hospital between July 2022 and March 2023. Data were collected using structured questionnaires on socio-demographic characteristics, HBV knowledge, and risk factors. Blood samples (3 mL) were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using rapid diagnostic test kits. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, with results summarized in frequencies and percentages. Results:The majority of participants (57.5%) were aged 21–26 years, and 41.3% were illiterate. Only 18.8% had ever been tested for HBV, and 18.8% had received vaccination. HBsAg positivity was detected in 35 out of 80 respondents, yielding a high seroprevalence of 43.8%. Knowledge of HBV prevention was generally low; only 26.3% identified vaccination as a preventive measure, and misconceptions—such as airborne transmission—were common. Major information sources were magazines (20.0%), television (16.3%), and the internet (15.0%), with limited health-professional engagement. Conclusion: HBV seroprevalence among pregnant women in Baidoa is alarmingly high, compounded by low testing uptake, low vaccination coverage, and inadequate awareness. Strengthening routine antenatal HBV screening, increasing vaccination access, and enhancing health education are critical for preventing maternal and neonatal transmission.