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Abstract

ABSTRACT
Introduction. Hepatitis B is a major public health problem in Cameroon, where over 1.6 million people live with chronic infection and mother-to-child transmission remains a critical issue. Knowledge of the disease among pregnant women is a key determinant of preventing this transmission. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge about hepatitis B among pregnant women in the Bangourain Health District and to identify associated factors. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study from April 1 to June 30, 2025, in all 20 health facilities of the district. A pretested questionnaire was administered to consenting pregnant women. Knowledge level was classified as poor (<60%), moderate (60-79%), and high (≥80%). Multinomial logistic regressions identified associated factors, with significance set at p<0.05. Results. Among 236 participants, mean age was 27.8 years. Only 18.2% (n=43) had a high knowledge level. Most knew about sexual transmission (76.7%), mother-to-child transmission (76.7%), and the risk of liver cancer (76.7%). However, 81.8% were unaware that hepatitis B is not transmitted through air or intact skin contact. In multivariate analysis, residence in the Kouhouat health area (OR=1.46; p=0.040) and a history of blood transfusion (OR=4.63; p=0.044) were associated with higher knowledge. Conclusion. Knowledge about hepatitis B among pregnant women in Bangourain Health District was insufficient. Targeted awareness campaigns, integrating health areas and transfusion history, are needed to improve prevention of mother-to-child transmission.


RÉSUMÉ
Introduction. L'hépatite B constitue un problème de santé publique majeur au Cameroun, où plus de 1,6 million de personnes vivent avec l'infection chronique et où la transmission mère-enfant reste un enjeu crucial. La connaissance de la maladie par les femmes enceintes est un déterminant essentiel de la prévention de cette transmission. Cette étude visait à évaluer le niveau de connaissances sur l'hépatite B chez les femmes enceintes du district de santé de Bangourain et à identifier les facteurs associés. Méthodes. Nous avons mené une étude transversale analytique du 1er avril au 30 juin 2025 dans les 20 structures de santé du district. Un questionnaire pré-testé a été administré aux femmes enceintes consentantes. Le niveau de connaissances a été classé en faible (<60%), moyen (60-79%) et élevé (≥80%). Des régressions logistiques multinomiales ont identifié les facteurs associés, avec un seuil de significativité à p<0,05. Résultats. Sur 236 participantes, l'âge moyen était de 27,8 ans. Seules 18,2% (n=43) présentaient un niveau de connaissances élevé. La majorité connaissait les modes de transmission par voie sexuelle (76,7%), la transmission mère-enfant (76,7%) et le risque de cancer du foie (76,7%). Cependant, 81,8% ignoraient que l'hépatite B ne se transmet pas par l'air ou par contact cutané intact. En analyse multivariée, résider dans l'aire de santé de Kouhouat (OR=1,46; p=0,040) et avoir un antécédent de transfusion sanguine (OR=4,63; p=0,044) étaient associés à un meilleur niveau de connaissances. Conclusion. Les connaissances sur l'hépatite B chez les femmes enceintes du district de Bangourain étaient insuffisantes. Des campagnes de sensibilisation ciblées, intégrant les aires de santé et les antécédents de transfusion, sont nécessaires pour améliorer la prévention de la transmission mère-enfant.

Keywords

Level of knowledge Hepatitis B Pregnant women Bangourain District Niveau de connaissances Hépatite B Femmes enceintes District de Bangourain

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Kum Jerry Ngha, Margaret Akpan, Phillip Bassey, Kenmegne Noumsi Elvira Christelle, Gilbert Mua Akwa, Ekpo Ofem, … Bernadine Ekpenyong. (2026). Knowlegde on Hepatitis B and Associated Factors amongst Pregnant Women in Bangourain Health District, West Region of Cameroon: Connaissances sur l’Hépatite B et les Facteurs Associés chez les Femmes Enceintes du District Sanitaire de Bangourain, dans la Région Ouest du Cameroun. HEALTH SCIENCES AND DISEASE, 27(9), 60–69. https://doi.org/10.67260/hsd.v27i9.7874
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