Prevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen among Women of Childbearing Age in Lagos, Nigeria

This study documents the seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs Ag) among women of childbearing age attending various family clinics in Lagos, Nigeria. A total of 501 women were screened with Wellcozyme ELISA technique, of which 45(8.9%) were seropositive. Women in occupations related to needle work and secretarial jobs were at increased risk of being seropositive (P<0.005). The high prevalence of HBs Ag among women of childbearing age suggests that vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus may be a public health problem in Nigeria. It is recommended that hepatitis B vaccination be incorporated into the childhood immunisation programme in the country. (Afr J Reprod Health 1999; 3[1]: 45 - 50) Key Words: HBs Ag, women, childbearing age