https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5174-8519
Abstract
Purpose
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem globally. Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HBV is high in endemic countries; however, little is known about pregnant women`s knowledge and attitudes regarding MTCT and prevention methods in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and associated factors of pregnant women towards MTCT of HBV and its prevention in three tertiary hospitals in the Amhara region, northwestern Ethiopia.
Materials and Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1, 2018 to September 30, 2019. A total of 1121 pregnant women participated in the study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the sociodemographic, knowledge, and attitudes of pregnant women towards MTCT of HBV and its prevention. Data were analyzed using SPPS version 20. χ2-test, multivariate logistic regression, Spearman correlation, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for data analysis.
Results
The majority of 89.6%; 95% CI (87.9–91.3%) pregnant women had poor knowledge of MTCT of HBV and its prevention. However, more than half of the study participants had favorable attitudes. Only 141 (12.6%) of the pregnant women knew that HBV transmitted from mother-to-child and 169 (15.1%) knew that HBV had a vaccine. There was a significant difference in attitude between the three hospitals (P<0.001). In multivariable analysis, education, gravida and vaccination history were independent factors significantly associated with good knowledge and favorable attitudes while income and residence significantly associated only to knowledge and attitude, respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between the knowledge and attitude of pregnant women (P<0.001).
Conclusion
The knowledge of pregnant women was found to be poor and their attitude was also limited to MTCT of HBV infection and its prevention. Educational status and vaccination history were predictors of knowledge and attitude, but income and residence only to knowledge and attitude, respectively. This study revealed a lack of knowledge in pregnant women for the prevention and control of MTCT of HBV. This calls for the Amhara Health Bureau and Ministry of Health to promote health education programs for pregnant women attending antenatal care on MTCT of HBV and its prevention methods to improve knowledge and attitudes.
Abbreviations
ANC, antenatal care;HBV, hepatitis B virus; HBeAg, hepatitis B e antigen; HBsAg, hepatitis B surface antigen; DMRH, Debre Markos Referral Hospital; ELISA, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; FHCSH, Felege-Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital; MTCT, mother-to-child transmission; UOGCSH, University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital; WHO, World Health Organization.
Acknowledgment
We are very grateful for the University of Gondar for funding this research. We also acknowledge data collectors for their great support. Finally, we would like to extend our gratitude to the study participants.
Disclosure
All authors declare there is no competing interests.