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. 2023 May 5;23(1):825.
doi: 10.1186/s12889-023-15710-y.

Hepatitis B prevention and treatment needs in women in Senegal (ANRS 12356 AmBASS survey)

Tchadine Djaogol  1   2 , Lauren Périères  1   3 , Fabienne Marcellin  1 , Assane Diouf  3 , Maria Patrizia Carrieri  1 , Aldiouma Diallo  3 , Sylvie Boyer  4 ; ANRS 12356 AmBASS Study Group
Collaborators, Affiliations

Hepatitis B prevention and treatment needs in women in Senegal (ANRS 12356 AmBASS survey)

Tchadine Djaogol et al. BMC Public Health. .

Abstract

Background: Although mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is prevalent in West Africa, epidemiological data on HBV infection in women remain scarce. We studied i) hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) prevalence and its correlates, ii) HBV screening history and serological status awareness, iii) MTCT risk and treatment needs in Senegalese women.

Methods: A cross-sectional population-based serosurvey for HBsAg positivity was conducted in 2018-2019 in the rural area of Niakhar (Fatick region, Senegal). Participants were offered home-based HBV screening and answered face-to-face questionnaires. HBsAg-positive participants underwent clinical and biological assessments. Data were weighted and calibrated to be representative of the area's population. Logistic regression models helped identify factors associated with HBsAg-positivity in adult women (> 15 years old).

Results: HBsAg prevalence in adult women was 9.2% [95% confidence interval: 7.0-11.4]. Factors associated with HBsAg-positivity were being 15-49 years old (ref: ≥ 50), living in a household with > 2 other HBsAg-positive members, and knowing someone with liver disease. Only 1.6% of women had already been tested for HBV; no one who tested HBsAg positive was already aware of their serological status. In women 15-49 years old, 5% risked MTCT and none were eligible for long-term antiviral treatment.

Conclusions: Adult women have a high HBsAg prevalence but a low MTCT risk. Low rates of HBV screening and serological status awareness argue for the adoption of systematic screening during pregnancy using free and rapid diagnostic tests. Additionally, screening household members of HBsAg-positive women may greatly improve the cascade of care in rural Senegal.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT03215732.

Keywords: Hepatitis B; Mother to child transmission; Prevention; Senegal; Treatment; West Africa.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Selection of the study population and of the two subgroups of women considered in the analyses (i) and (ii)) (ANRS 12356 AmBASS survey)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Prevalence of HBsAg positivity in adult women stratified by age in the rural area of Niakhar, Senegal, using weighted and calibrated data (ANRS 12356 AmBASS survey)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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