Knowledge, attitudes, and factors associated with vertical transmission of hepatitis B among pregnant women in Gurage Zone, Ethiopia

Hepatitis B virus is a highly contagious virus and a significant public health issue globally. Its prevalence among the general and prenatal populations indicates its endemicity in Ethiopia. Mother-to-child transmission is a key route of transmission, and preventing this is crucial to controlling the spread of HBV. Effective prevention requires sufficient knowledge and a positive attitude toward HBV and its modes of transmission. However, research on pregnant women's knowledge and attitudes regarding mother-to-child transmission of HBV in Ethiopia is limited. To assess pregnant women's knowledge, attitudes, and associated factors regarding vertical transmission of HBV among women attending the ANC clinic at Gurage Zone Hospitals, Central Ethiopia. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 419 pregnant women attending antenatal care at Atat Hospital from January to March 2024. A systematic sampling technique was used, and data were collected through a pre-tested, structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data were entered into Epi Data 4.6 and analyzed using SPSS 26. Binary logistic regression was used to determine associations between the outcome and explanatory variables, with a P value < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Of the 414 participants (98% response rate), 80.7% were not knowledgeable about the vertical transmission of HBV, and 77.1% had a favorable attitude toward the vertical transmission of HBV. Factors associated with knowledge included urban residence (AOR 8.7, 95% CI 4.3, 17.64), being single (AOR 5.6, 95% CI 1.17, 27.4), and educational level (AOR 6.8, 95% CI 2.4, 19.1). Attitude was associated with) urban residence (AOR 4.9, 95% CI 2.1, 11.3), being single (AOR 5, 95% CI 1.17-27.39), income of 2000-4000 ETB (AOR 17.3, 95% CI 5.0-60.03), and primigravidity (AOR 17.8, 95% CI 5.6-56.6). Residence was associated with both knowledge and attitude. Overall knowledge of vertical transmission of HBV was poor, and attitudes toward transmission, screening, and vaccination were generally positive. Residence, being single, educational level, and monthly income were significantly associated with knowledge and attitude. There is a need for enhanced education and awareness-creation programs on HBV transmission and prevention in this population.