Prevalence Of Hepatitis Virus Infection Among Pregnant Women

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Viral hepatitis during pregnancy is associated with high risk of maternal complications and has become a leading cause of foetal death. Hepatitis one of the major and common infectious diseases of the liver world wide is caused by a small enveloped DNA virus, the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Nigeria is classified among the group of countries endemic for HBV infection. Currently about 18 million Nigerians are infected. Many of these people may not be aware of the infection and hence fail to seek appropriate medical attention therefore progressing to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Similarly when pregnant women are involved they constitute a serious health risk not only to their unborn child but also the society at large. 

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The following are the objectives of this study:

1. To provide an overview on hepatitis virus infection.

2. To examine the prevalence of hepatitis virus infection among pregnant women.

3. To identify the consequences of hepatitis virus infection on pregnant women.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What is hepatitis virus infection?

2. What is the prevalence of hepatitis virus infection among pregnant women?

3. What is the consequences of hepatitis virus infection on pregnant women?

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The following are the significance of this study:

1. The results from this study will educate the general public especially the pregnant women on the prevalence and prognosis of hepatitis virus infection of pregnant women.

2. This research will be a contribution to the body of literature in the area of the effect of personality trait on student’s academic performance, thereby constituting the empirical literature for future research in the subject area.

1.7 SCOPE/LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

This study will cover the prevalence of hepatitis virus infection with special focus on hepatitis B and C.

LIMITATION OF STUDY

Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

 Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.