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Hepatitis B virus seroprevalence and vaccine uptake among pregnant women attending Antenatal Care at the Mount Mary Hospital Buea, South West Region

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major global public health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where chronic infection is highly endemic. HBV can be transmitted vertically from mother to child during pregnancy or at delivery. Although vaccination is highly effective in preventing HBV infection and mother-to-child transmission, vaccine uptake among women of reproductive age remains suboptimal in many low- and middle-income countries. This study determined the seroprevalence of HBV infection, hepatitis B vaccine uptake, and identified barriers to vaccine uptake among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) at Mount Mary Hospital Buea. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 pregnant women, recruited using convenience sampling after providing written informed consent. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Venous blood samples were collected and screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using a rapid immunochromatographic assay. Data were entered and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 25. Results: The mean age of participants was predominantly 20–24 years (36.7%). The seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus was 8.3%. Only 24 (20.0%) participants reported previous hepatitis B vaccination, while only five (4.2%) had completed the recommended three-dose vaccination schedule. Major barriers to vaccine uptake included vaccine is too expensive (80%), unaware of infection in unborn baby (80%), do not know where to get the vaccine (74%) and fear of vaccine side effects (70%). Conclusion: HBV infection remains moderately endemic among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Mount Mary Hospital, while hepatitis B vaccine uptake is unacceptably low.

Source: International journal of research and scientific innovation

DOI: 10.51244/ijrsi.2026.1308000004

Authors: Vicky Daonyle Tankeu Ndassi, Temate Vera, Ndeme Ndeme Alain Desire, Walters Ndaka

Institution: Biaka University Institute of Buea

Language: English

Topic: Hepatitis B Virus Studies

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

OpenAlex ID: W7204194314