Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection represents a significant public health challenge globally, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where maternal and neonatal health outcomes are critically impacted by the prevalence of HBV. This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of pregnant women in the Mamprugu Moaduri District of Ghana regarding Hepatitis B infection, aiming to identify gaps and inform targeted interventions to reduce mother-to-child transmission (MTCT).

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed, involving 206 pregnant women attending antenatal care at the Mamprugu Moaduri District Hospital. Participants were selected using a convenient sampling technique and data were collected using structured questionnaires. The questionnaires assessed sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of HBV, attitudes towards HBV infection, and perceptions of HBV prevention measures. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21, employing descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, and chi-square tests to identify significant associations between variables.

Results: The study revealed that 29.6% of the respondents were extremely familiar with HBV, while 19.4% and 24.3% were very familiar and moderately familiar, respectively. However, a significant proportion (26.7%) demonstrated low knowledge of HBV. Confidence in identifying HBV transmission routes was high among 58.7% of respondents, with 61.2% displaying substantial awareness of HBV vaccines. The risk of MTCT was clearly understood by 44.1% of the participants, while knowledge about symptoms and preventive measures was adequate among 55.2% and 59.7% of respondents, respectively. Notably, educational level and income significantly influenced knowledge and attitudes towards HBV prevention, with higher education correlating with better knowledge and positive attitudes.

Conclusions: The findings underscore the need for enhanced health education programs tailored to pregnant women, particularly those with lower educational attainment and income. Interventions should focus on increasing awareness of HBV transmission, prevention, and the importance of vaccination. Community-based support systems and targeted educational interventions are recommended to bridge knowledge gaps and improve attitudes towards HBV prevention. Further research should explore barriers to healthcare access and the effectiveness of educational interventions in rural settings.

Implications: This study provides critical insights into the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of pregnant women regarding HBV in a rural Ghanaian district. The findings will aid the Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Health in developing specific health education initiatives to reduce MTCT of HBV, ultimately contributing to improved maternal and neonatal health outcomes. The study also contributes to the limited literature on HBV knowledge and attitudes among pregnant women in rural Africa, offering a foundation for future research and policy development.