MAGNITUDE OF HEPATITES B INFECTION AND ASSOCIATED FACTORES AMONG PREGNANT MOTHERS ATTENDING ANTENATAL CARE AT PUBLIC HOSPITALS IN GAMBELLA TOWN SOUTH WESTERN ETHIOPIA: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus is an enveloped virus containing partially double-stranded circular DNA in its viral genome, and it is classified under the family Hepadnaviridae, HBV infection poses a serious threat to liver health, leading to potential life-threatening complications. Among the five types of hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, and E), Hepatitis B virus is the most prevalent cause of liver-related illness Objective: the objective of study toAssess the Magnitude of Hepatitis B surface antigen and its related determinants among pregnant women receiving antenatal care at hospitals in Gambella town, Gambella region, south west Ethiopia 2024. Methods and materials: Hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted fromAug 1 2024 to Aug 30 2024 using systematic random sampling technic, it includes 190 pregnant women’s and the Data was collected by using pretested close ended questioner, Descriptive statics was computed to describe the mean, standard deviation and percentage, Bivariatelogistic regression and multivariate logistic regression analyses was used to determine in what extent the predictor variable influence the dependent variable. Independent variables with P-value ≤ 0.05 was declare statistical significant. Result:In this study 4.86% of the pregnant women were reactive for HBsAg. Among the various factors affecting HBsAg sero-positivity, multi sexual partner (AOR [95%CI] =5.04[1.21-5.21]) with P=0.001 and those who are not attending formal education (AOR [95%CI] = 4.375[1.96- 5.34) with P=0.000 were found as independent predictors,this study has shown that HBV prevalence in pregnant women is of intermediate endemicity. Conclusion and recommendation:Regarding risk factors multi sexual partner and educational status were the independent predictors for sero-positivity of HBsAg. Hence educate individuals on high-risk behaviors, routine screening of pregnant women for HBV infection and administering the HBV vaccine to newborn infants, along with specific immune globulins if necessary