Vaccination Gaps and Hepatitis B Prevalence among Pregnant Women in Bauchi State: A Call for Strengthened Immunization Efforts

Aim: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a major public health concern, particularly among vulnerable populations such as pregnant women. Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between HBV prevalence and vaccination coverage among pregnant women in Bauchi State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey of 150 participants was conducted to assess sociodemographic factors, vaccination status, and health history related to HBV. Results: The results showed that 57.5% of participants reported being vaccinated, with only 25.5% completing the full vaccination series. HBV prevalence was recorded at 21.38%, while 13.7% of participants were unsure of their HBV status. Chi-square analysis revealed no significant correlation between vaccination coverage and HBV diagnosis ( P = 0.586). Logistic regression identified occupation and prior testing as significant factors influencing vaccination completion ( P < 0.05). Key barriers to vaccination included lack of awareness (17.0%) and forgetfulness (14.4%). Despite moderate vaccination coverage, a substantial portion of participants had not completed the full vaccination series, undermining efforts to achieve full immunization and control HBV spread. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for improved public health interventions, including educational campaigns to raise awareness and increase vaccination completion rates among pregnant women in the region. Further research is needed to explore additional barriers to vaccination and optimize strategies for preventing HBV transmission in high-risk populations.