Identifying Risk factors of viral Hepatitis B and C among pregnant women at the Bertoua Regional Hospital in the East Region of Cameroon

Chronic viral Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remain a significant global public health problem and a major cause of liver liver-related morbidity and mortality in Central Africa with high endemicity among pregnant women in Central Africa. Both Hepatitis B and C can cause acute and chronic infections and are leading cases of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. During pregnancy, screening for hepatitis B and C is crucial because both viruses can be transmitted from mother to child, with HBV being more prevalent than HCV, and both infections posing risks for mother mother-to -child transmission. But, HBV transmission is largely preventable with post post-birth immunoprophylaxis (vaccine + HIBG), wh ile HCV transmission is less efficient but potentially treated with antivirals to prevent vertical spread. This cross cross sectional study at Bertoua Regional Hospital Cameroon (June 2025 2025-January 2026) aimed at identifying the risks factors of viral Hepatitis B and C among 400 pregnant women attending the maternity unit, the majority of them (62%) were aged within (19 19-28). Hospitalization (75.75%) was the main risk factor of viral Hepatitis B and C, followed by alcohol (72.25%) and blood transfusion (58.25%). Ho wever, data identifying risks factors across both community and healthcare settings remain limited, hence the need of this research The findings align with the World Health Organization as well as others organisms fighting for the elimination of viral Hepa titis such as the Centre of Disease Control and Prevention.