Seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen and it’s associated factors among hiv positive pregnant women in Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are among the leading causes of infectious disease deaths worldwide. The two viruses are highly endemic in sub-Saharan Africa. Pregnant women who are co-infected with HBV and HIV are highly viremic for HBV and may be at a high risk of transmitting HBV to their infants. The prevalence of HIV in pregnant women aged 15-49 years in Kenya is 5.6%. Nyanza region of Kenya has the highest prevalence of HIV at about 15.1% compared to other regions in Kenya. Adult prevalence (15-64 years) in 2013 was 23.7% for males and 27.4% for females in Homabay County, 17.8% and 20.6% respectively in Kisumu and 21.8% and 25.3% respectively in Siaya Counties. With these statistics it is clear that more females than males in the same age group are infected with HIV in the region. Therefore, females in the same age bracket including pregnant women could be co-infected with HBV more than males. This study sought to establish seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen and its associated factors among HIV positive pregnant women in Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu. Approval for conducting the study was obtained from KNH/UoN-ERC and JOOTRH‟s hospital administration. Study Design: The study utilized a descriptive cross sectional design that sought to establish seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen and its associated factors among HIV positive pregnant women in JOOTRH. Study Population: The study population was composed of pregnant women living with HIV/AIDS aged between 15-49 years …