Talla C, Itanyi IU, Tsuyuki K, et al.
Evidence on hepatitis B prevalence among pregnant women and their male partners remains limited in Nigeria, where the infection contributes to ongoing perinatal transmission risk. This cross-sectional study examined hepatitis B seroprevalence and risk factors among 16,920 pregnant women and their male partners participating in the Baby Shower Programme in North-Central Nigeria, using rapid HBsAg testing and logistic regression to analyze demographic and behavioral data. Among 6,750 identified couples, 1,316 showed status discordance; overall prevalence was 10.9% (10.2% among women, 11.9% among male partners). Younger age and prior positive testing increased infection odds while female sex reduced odds, and polygamy and prior testing significantly predicted discordance between partners. The authors conclude that hepatitis B prevalence remains elevated in this population, warranting large-scale intervention efforts to reduce transmission.
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