Sero-prevalence of hepatitis b virus and associated factors among pregnant women’s attending antenatal clinics in public hospitals of Hawassa City, Sidama, Ethiopia, 2021. Multicenter cross sectional study

Abstract Introduction: Estimated 350 million people had been diagnosed for chronic HBV infection and 686,000 people die each year which is an important global public health. This study is expected to provide area-specific information for decision-makers by visualizing prevalence and its associated factors OF HBV.Objective: The aim of this study to access prevalence HBV sero-prevalence and associative factors among pregnant women’s attending ANC in public hospitals of Hawassa City , 2021.Method: A analytic cross sectional study was conducted among pregnant women at Public Hospital in Hawassa city from May 20-July 30/2021. A total of 320 participants were selected. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive statics used to determine prevalence of HBV; Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was done to identify the independent predictors of HBV status at p-value <0.05. Results:Results: From total of 320 pregnant women participated in the study twenty two are HBV positive which makes overall prevalence From total of 320 pregnant women participated in the study twenty two are HBV positive which makes overall prevalence [6.9 % (95%,CI (6.6%, 7.2%))]. in study area history of transfusion (AOR = 18.99, 95%CI, (2.1–171)). Pregnant women having history of vulvar ulcer were nearly fifteen times more likely to acquire HBV infection comparing having no history of vulvar ulcer (AOR = 14.78; 95%CI (1.12–194.4)) and Women who had history and those with contact jaundice patients (AOR = 127.6; 95%CI (12–134)) were independently predictors of HBV.Conclusion: Intermediate endemicity of prevalence of hepatitis HBV was detected in study area. Blood transfusion, history of Vulvar ulcer and history of contact with jaundice patient were found to be the determinant factors of sero-positivity of HBV. Awareness creation on HBV transmission and early screening of HBV at blood donation site important to reduce HBV endemicity.