Abstract:

Background: It was estimates that about 200 million cases and 4.3 million deaths were reported globally due to the Coronavirus disease -19 (COVID-19) pandemic. The seroprevalence ranged from 14.2% to 15.4% globally in the general population and 6% in Kenya to 8.9% in Italy among pregnant women. The ongoing COVID-19 apart from affecting the general population had also been shown to affect pregnant women where the disease progression was rapid and more fatal. Many studies had been carried out so far to explore the burden of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) among the general population as well as pregnant women in developed countries. The need to ascertain the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and its associated factors among pregnant women is still a concern in developing countries. This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and its associated factors among pregnant women in selected health facilities in Mwanza, Tanzania. The study findings might be useful to improve the antenatal care package in a cascaded health system.

Methodology: A hospital-based cross-sectional study involving 192 consented pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at Makongoro, Igoma, Karume, and Sengerema health centers, in the Mwanza region was conducted from July to November 2022. Data were collected by using a structured questionnaire and the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was done by using rapid immunochromatographic tests as per manufacture’s instruction. Data analysis was done by using STATA version 15.

Results: A total of 192 pregnant women in their different trimesters were enrolled in this study with a mean age of 25.4 (SD, ± 5.4) years and a mean gestation age of 25.63 (SD, ± 8.34) weeks. The overall seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among pregnant women was 139(72.4%, 95% CI: 65-78%) in Mwanza, Tanzania. The seroprevalence of IgG was 136 (70.8%) and for both IgG and IgM was 3(1.6%). However, none of them tested positive for IgM antibodies. High educations level (OR:2.19, 95% CI= 1.06 – 4.54, P=0.035) and advanced gestation age (OR:4.38, 95% CI= 1.16- 16.53, P= 0.029) were independently associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusion: Almost three-quarters of pregnant women in Nyamagana, Ilemela, and Sengerema districts were previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 and has been associated with high education level and advanced gestation age. This calls upon the Ministry of Health to advocate continued health education on preventive measures, implementation of vaccination programs, and screening activities to protect this vulnerable group.