Hepatitis B, and HIV Sero-prevalence among Antenatal Clinic Attendees in Ekiti Central, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remain significant public health challenges in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly among pregnant women, for whom vertical transmission poses substantial risks to neonates. Despite the availability of effective preventive interventions, comprehensive data on the prevalence and co-infection patterns of these blood-borne pathogens in Ekiti State remain limited. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HBV and HIV infections among pregnant women attending selected health facilities in Ekiti Central, Nigeria. Methods: A facility-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 559 pregnant women receiving antenatal care across five Local Government Areas in Ekiti Central Senatorial District between January and December 2025. Aseptically collected venous blood samples (5 mL) were screened for HBsAg and HIV antibodies using the nationally approved serial rapid-testing algorithm. Data on sociodemographic characteristics were collected using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and chi-squared tests were used for data analysis, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Among the 559 pregnant women screened, the overall seroprevalence was 4.29% (95% CI: 2.83–6.12) for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and 2.33% (95% CI: 1.31–3.82) for HIV. HIV infection was not significantly associated with Local Government Area (LGA), age, area of residence, educational level, occupation, or gestational age. However, a significant association was observed between HIV infection and marital status. HBsAg infection was significantly associated only with LGA. Higher descriptive HBV prevalence was observed among pregnant women aged 12–18 years, unmarried women, those with primary education, unskilled workers, and women in the second trimester. No cases of HBV/HIV co-infection were detected in the study population. Conclusion: This study indicates an appreciable burden of HBV and HIV among pregnant women in Ekiti Central. No HBV/HIV co-infection was detected. The observed subgroup patterns support early antenatal screening and appropriately targeted interventions for vulnerable groups to reduce the risk of vertical transmission.