Influencing factors and trends in post-vaccination serologic testing completion rates among infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers in Guangdong Province, 2021-2023

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to assess the trends and influencing factors in post-vaccination serologic testing (PVST) completion rates among infants born to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive mothers using real-world data, providing insights to guide future PVST strategy implementation.

Methods: Data were obtained from the case records of HBsAg-positive pregnant women and their newborns in Guangdong Province from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2023. The Cochran-Armitage test was used to analyze trends in PVST completion rates and the age distribution of infants completing PVST, among HBV-exposed neonates, stratified by birth weight, from 2021 to 2023. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors influencing PVST completion rates.

Results: Our PVST study analyzed data from 159,629 HBsAg-positive pregnant women and their newborns from 2021 to 2023. PVST completion rate increased from 74.44 % to 82.44 % in infants weighing <2000 g and from 81.96 % to 88.01 % in infants weighing ≥2000 g. A greater number of infants completed PVST at the 7-9 months of age, with proportions rising from 14.52 % to 44.04 % among infants weighing <2000 g and from 31.99 % to 51.91 % among those weighing ≥2000 g. Factors that positively influenced PVST completion rates included higher birth weight, older maternal age, receipt of antiviral treatment during pregnancy, higher maternal education level, infant at high risk for HBV infection.

Conclusion: This study highlights showing significant improvements in PVST completion rates among HBV-exposed infants from 2021 to 2023. Additionally, the proportion of infants completing PVST at 7-9 months of age increased substantially during this period. These findings highlight the progress made in improving PVST adherence and underscore the importance of targeted interventions to further enhance compliance among at-risk populations.

Keywords: Hepatitis B virus; Influence factors; Mother-to-child transmission; Post-vaccination serological testing; Pregnant woman.