Malaria and Hepatitis B Virus Co-Infection among Pregnant Women Attending Rock Foundation Hospital and Maternity Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

Malaria and Hepatitis B Virus co-infection during pregnancy is a significant public health issue causing increased morbidity and mortality among pregnant women and poor birth outcomes in new born babies. This cross-sectional study was aimed at determining the prevalence of malaria, hepatitis B virus and their co-infection among pregnant women visiting Rock Foundation Hospital and Maternity, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. Two hundred and ten (210) peripheral blood samples were obtained from pregnant women attending antenatal and examined using HRP2-RDT and HBsAG test strip for the presence of malaria parasites and Hepatitis B Virus respectively. A structured questionnaire was also used to determine the knowledge, preventive measures taken and diagnosis of both Malaria and Hepatitis B among the pregnant women. The result showed that out of 210 pregnant women, 139 (66.2%) were positive for malaria parasite, while 8 (3.8%) were positive for Hepatitis B Virus and 5 (2.4%) were Co-infected with both Malaria parasite and Hepatitis B Virus. There was no significant association between prevalence of malaria and hepatitis B and the risk factors studied (p>0.05). The highest prevalence of malaria and hepatitis B among Age groups recorded was 36-40 (70.8%) and 41-45(20%) respectively and 45-45 had the highest (20.0%) co-infection. Third, second and first trimesters had the highest malaria prevalence (67.7%), highest HBV prevalence (4.2%) and highest (3.3%) co-infection respectively. The highest prevalence of malaria and Hepatitis B in relation to Parity recorded was Primi-gravidae (73.3%) and Multigravidae (4.8%) respectively and the multi-gravidae had the highest (2.7%) co-infection. The result also showed that only 35.71% sleep under insecticide treated nets and only 1.9% have received vaccination for the Hepatitis B Virus during Pregnancy. Malaria was still a problem among pregnant women and though the prevalence rate of Hepatitis B Virus infection may be low in the study area, it however cannot be neglected as it may result in congenital infection. Hence, routine tests should be conducted during antenatal visits to ensure early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.