| dc.description.abstract | Background
Hepatitis B infection is viral infection that targets the liver cells, causing liver damage and
subsequently disease (WHO, 2015). The disease is transmitted through coming into contact
with body fluid(s) of an infected person such as blood, semen, amniotic fluid, vaginal fluid
and secretions from mucous membranes. This can occur during sexual intercourse, sharing
sharp objects like needles and razors and also vertically from mother to child during
childbirth (Gedefaw et al., 2015).
Objectives of the study
To determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of hepatitis B virus infection among
pregnant women at International hospital Kampala.
Methodology:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 145 pregnant women in
International Hospital Kampala researcher administered questionnaire and laboratory analysis
of blood samples for HBV infection was done.
Results.
The test results found out that 1% of the respondents tested positive for HBV. All the
respondents (100%) had ever heard about a disease called hepatitis B disease. All the
respondents knew that hepatitis B a viral disease. Majority (83.4%) of the respondents agreed
that contact with infected blood or body fluids is one mode of transmission of HBV. 2.1 % of
the respondents agreed that they have ever shared a needle with friends while taking the
drugs.
Conclusions.
The prevalence of HBV was found to be at 1% among pregnant mothers at International
Hospital Kampala.
Majority of the women had studied up to university and were much aware of HBV.
The respondents had good level of knowledge in regard to HBV.
Recommendations.
The hospital should continue to health educate the pregnant mothers about hepatitis B
disease.
Vaccination should be done to all the medical staff.
Ensuring implementation of infection control measures. | en_US |
