The study of Prevalence of Antigen HBs Positive and High-risk Behaviors in Pregnant Women Referring to Urban Health Centers of Isfahan Province in 2009

BACKGROUND

Around 5% of the world populations are the carriers of the hepatitis B virus. Prevalence of carriers in many different areas of the world is various. Iran, including the rate of 2 to 3%, is among countries, which has the average prevalence. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of antigen HBs positive and associated factors in pregnant women who had referred to urban health centers of Isfahan Province in 2009.

METHODS

A descriptive study conducted on 1078 pregnant women who had referred to the urban health centers of Isfahan, Barkhovar, Meymeh, Khomeini Shahr, Lenjan and Najaf Abad in 2009 in order to register their physical condition and conducting pregnancy care. Random sampling method by quota was systematic. First, a questionnaire completed including demographic characteristics and records of high-risk behaviors in mothers and wives. Then, 4 cc of their blood drawn and evaluated the antigen surface in serum. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS15 software, Chi-square, Fisher and Logistic Regression tests.

RESULTS

According to the findings, serum of 0.5% of pregnant women under the study was HBsAg-positive. The average age of subjects was 26.1 (4.9) years old and the average pregnancy number was 1.79 (1.0). Using Fisher's test as well as logistic regression test and based on the previous records of high-risk sexual behaviors and tattooing, a significant difference was observed in positive-HBsAg group in comparison with negative-HBsAg group (p ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Instructing target groups and giving awareness in large-scale, close monitoring in high-risk centers such as beauty shops, tattooing centers and etc, and also staff training in how to use disposable and sterilized equipments have to be accomplished at the right time.