Practical knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women about viral Hepatitis B in N'djamena

Viral hepatitis B, defined as inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus, is a major public health problem worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and practical attitudes of pregnant women concerning viral hepatitis B. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted over six months in two hospitals in the city of N'Djamena. Pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at the Hôpital de l'Amitié Tchad-Chine or the Hôpital de District Sud de N'Djamena were included. Data were collected using pre-administered questionnaires administered during antenatal consultations. A total of 350 pregnant women were interviewed, of whom 51 had a positive HBsAg result, representing a prevalence of 14.57%. The mean age was 26.4 ±5.6 years. All school levels were represented. In terms of transmission routes: 37.3% of women cited the sexual route, versus 29.4% for the blood route. Mother-to-child transmission was known by 33.3% of pregnant women across all levels of education. However, knowledge was higher (over 70%) among pregnant women with higher levels of education. Nearly 80% of women surveyed were aware of the existence of the vaccine, but less than 1% had been vaccinated. Pregnant women's knowledge of the vaccine remains limited, despite the efforts made in recent years to improve the management of viral hepatitis.