doi.org/10.59708/ajlhts.v3i2.2423
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Abstract
Background: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is an enteric viral
infection and a global problem of increasing threats among pregnant
women with an estimated annual burden of 20 million cases, 70,000
deaths, and 3,000 stillbirths. This study aims to determine the level
of awareness of HEV infection, its prevalence, pregnancy risks, and
transmission mode among antenatal attendees in Ekiti State.
Methods: This is a dual-center study performed at the antenatal
clinics of the study sites over a period of fifteen months following
ethical approval. Socio-demographic, pregnancy-related, and HEV
awareness data of 300 antenatal attendees were collected during
counseling sessions at the clinics. A Biopanda rapid test device
was used to test for HEV antibodies. Data were analyzed using
the descriptive statistics of the SPSS version 21 software, and the
association between hospital and HEV awareness and HEV mode
of transmission variables was tested with Chi-square analysis.