Unveiling the Silent Threat Hepatitis B Among Pregnant Women in Public Hospitals of the Afar Region Ethiopia Prevalence Risk Factors Kap and Socioeconomic Psychosocial Impacts

Abstract

newline Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) remained a significant global health threat, particularly in endemic regions like Ethiopia, where mother-to-child transmission rates were alarmingly high. This study examined the prevalence of HBV among pregnant women in public hospitals in the Afar region, focusing on risk factors, knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAP), and the socioeconomic and psychosocial impacts of the disease. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2023 to August 2024, involving 442 pregnant women seeking antenatal care at five public hospitals: Kaluwan, Abala, Dalefaage, Dubti General, and Muhammad Akle Memorial. newline