%0 Journal Article
%T Prevalence of Viral Hepatitis B among Women of Childbearing Age in the Kara Region of Togo in 2022
%A Gatibe Yendu-Suglpak Gnatou
%A Fatoumata Binta Tidiane Diallo
%A Fifonsi Adjidossi Gbeasor-Komlanvi
%A Sibabe Agoro
%A Arnold Junior Sadio
%A Latame Komla Adoli
%A Wendpouire Ida Carine Zida-Compaore
%A Yao Rodion Konu
%A Martin Kouame Tchankoni
%A Amegnona Agbonon
%A Didier Koumavi Ekouevi
%J Open Journal of Preventive Medicine
%P 319-328
%@ 2162-2485
%D 2023
%I Scientific Research Publishing
%R 10.4236/ojpm.2023.1312021
%X <strong>Introduction:</strong> The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. Few up-to-date data on this disease are available in developing countries, including Togo. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B among women of childbearing age in the Kara region of Togo. <strong>Methods:</strong> A cross-sectional study was carried out from 23 to 25 September 2022 during a fairground campaign. Data were collected using a standardised questionnaire. HBV screening was performed using ¡°SD-BIOLINE HBsAg WB¡± rapid immunochromatographic tests. HBV prevalence was reported with its 95% confidence interval (CI). Regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with HBV infection. <strong>Results:</strong> A total of 327 women were enrolled, with a median age of 34 years and an interquartile range of [25 - 43]. Nearly half (49.5%) of the women had had their first sexual intercourse before the age of 18 and 2.1% had at least 2 sexual partners at the time of the survey. The majority (91.7%) had not used a condom the last time they had sex. The prevalence of hepatitis B was 10.4% (95% CI: 7.5 - 14.2]). In multivariable analysis, having had sexual intercourse for the first time after the age of 18 (ORa = 0.17; 95% CI [0.06 - 0.43]; p &lt; 0.001), and secondary (ORa = 0.24; 95% CI [0.09 - 0.61]; p = 0. 003) or university education (ORa = 0.25; 95% CI [0.77 - 0.86]; p = 0.028) were protective factors against HBV infection compared with those who had primary education or had never attended school. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> The results of this study underline the importance of monitoring the prevalence of hepatitis B in women of childbearing age, and of implementing targeted prevention and screening measures to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HBV.
%K Hepatitis B Virus
%K Women of Childbearing Age
%K Togo
%U http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=129921