Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus in Pregnant Women and Associated Risk Factors, Monitored at the Yaounde University Teaching Hospital, Cameroon

<i>Background and justification</i>: Infection with the hepatitis B virus is a major public health problem; However, Asia and sub-Saharan Africa are the most affected by it. The status of hepatitis B virus in pregnant women is essential for the effective management of the disease and the prevention of mother to child transmission. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of HBV markers and risk factors associated with infection in pregnant women at the Yaounde University Teaching Hospital (YUTH). <i>Methodology</i>: A prospective, cross multicenter study was conducted from 17 September 2018 to 25 February 2019 in 102 pregnant women aged 15 to 44 years. After obtaining ethical clearance, obstetric and sociodemographic risk factors were collected; samples were also taken and analyzed by the immuno-chromatographic method for the detection of HBsAg, for anti-HBs, HBeAg, anti-HBeAc and the anti-HBc antibodies. Statistical analysis was performed by Microsoft Excel 2016; SPSS Version 22. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. <i>Results</i>: Of the 102 pregnant women, 10.78% (11/64) tested positive for HBsAg; 15.68% (16/64) had developed anti-HBs, and 26.47% (27/64) had previous contact with HBV. The highest prevalence of HBsAg was recorded in the age group 25-35 years (11.76%, P = 0.95). Similarly, the single status (P = 0.001) scarification (P = 0.00) and tattooing (P = 0.00008) were significantly associated with HBV infection and previous contact with HBV. Scarification and tattooing were significantly associated with a probable chronic hepatitis profile4 (P = 0.00009) and the inactive carrier HBsAg profile3 (P = 0.0002). <i>Conclusion</i>: The HBV infection is high among pregnant women at the YUTH (10.78%), especially among single pregnant women. Scarification, tattooing and no knowledge of the disease are factors significantly associated with HBV carriages (p <0.05). It is therefore necessary to introduce routine in prenatal assessment of pregnant women routine screening for HBV markers and possibly a vaccination to prevent vertical transmission (mother to child).