What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus and its associated factors among pregnant women in Tigray, Ethiopia.

February 22, 2026Open Access

Prevalence and associated factors of hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

Key Points

The study aims to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus and its associated factors among pregnant women in Tigray, Ethiopia.
Conducted a cross-sectional study from January to June 2025.
Included 1,084 pregnant women selected through systematic random sampling.
Blood samples tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg).
Data collected via structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS with binary logistic regression.
Prevalence of HBsAg among pregnant women was 5.6% (95% CI 4.3–7.2).
Significant factors for HBsAg positivity include rural residence (AOR = 2.1), history of tattooing (AOR = 7.8), multiple sexual partners (AOR = 10.7), contact with liver disease sufferers (AOR = 6.5), and exposure to body fluids (AOR = 7.7).

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus is a significant global health concern. In 2022, approximately 254 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B, and there were 1.2 million new infections each year. The World Health Organization recommends periodic assessment of pregnant women for the hepatitis B virus. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of hepatitis B virus among pregnant women in Tigray. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1 to June 1, 2025, among 1,084 pregnant women selected using systematic random sampling from three general hospitals and one comprehensive specialized hospital. Blood samples were collected and tested for hepatitis B surface antigen, and data were gathered using a structured questionnaire administered by an interviewer. Analyses were performed in SPSS version 27.1 using binary logistic regression to identify factors associated with the hepatitis B virus, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. The study included pregnant women aged 15 to 42 years, with an average age of 28.2 years; the majority of whom were married (92.7%). The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among this group was found to be 5.6% (95% CI 4.3–7.2). Factors significantly associated with a higher odds of HBsAg positivity were residing in rural areas (AOR = 2.1), having a history of tattooing (AOR = 7.8), multiple sexual partners (AOR = 10.7), contact with individuals suffering from liver disease (AOR = 6.5), and exposure to other body fluids (AOR = 7.7). According to the global estimate, this study found an intermediate-higher prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen among pregnant women in the study area during the study period. These results emphasize the importance of enhancing routine hepatitis B virus screening during pregnancy, providing health education on safe practices, and improving infection prevention and control measures to reduce maternal infection and the risk of vertical transmission.

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