TITLE:
Prevalence of Viral Hepatitis B among Women of Childbearing Age in the Kara Region of Togo in 2022
AUTHORS:
Gatibe Yendu-Suglpak Gnatou, Fatoumata Binta Tidiane Diallo, Fifonsi Adjidossi Gbeasor-Komlanvi, Sibabe Agoro, Arnold Junior Sadio, Latame Komla Adoli, Wendpouire Ida Carine Zida-Compaore, Yao Rodion Konu, Martin Kouame Tchankoni, Amegnona Agbonon, Didier Koumavi Ekouevi
KEYWORDS:
Hepatitis B Virus, Women of Childbearing Age, Togo
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Preventive Medicine,
Vol.13 No.12,
December
21,
2023
ABSTRACT: Introduction: The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. Few up-to-date data on this disease are available in developing countries, including Togo. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B among women of childbearing age in the Kara region of Togo. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from 23 to 25 September 2022 during a fairground campaign. Data were collected using a standardised questionnaire. HBV screening was performed using “SD-BIOLINE HBsAg WB” rapid immunochromatographic tests. HBV prevalence was reported with its 95% confidence interval (CI). Regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with HBV infection. Results: A total of 327 women were enrolled, with a median age of 34 years and an interquartile range of [25 - 43]. Nearly half (49.5%) of the women had had their first sexual intercourse before the age of 18 and 2.1% had at least 2 sexual partners at the time of the survey. The majority (91.7%) had not used a condom the last time they had sex. The prevalence of hepatitis B was 10.4% (95% CI: 7.5 - 14.2]). In multivariable analysis, having had sexual intercourse for the first time after the age of 18 (ORa = 0.17; 95% CI [0.06 - 0.43]; p Conclusion: The results of this study underline the importance of monitoring the prevalence of hepatitis B in women of childbearing age, and of implementing targeted prevention and screening measures to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HBV.