Seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen among inhabitants of Jos North, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. Hepatitis B is transmitted through percutaneous, sexual, and perinatal routes. Populations at increased risk of HBV infection include individuals born in geographic regions with a high (≥8%) or intermediate (2-7%) prevalence of HBV infection; household contacts and sex partners of persons with chronic HBV infection, men who have sex with men (MSM), injection drug users (IDUs), vertical transmission from mother to child and individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Hemodialysis patients and health care workers are others at risk populations because of the potential for health care-associated exposure to HBV.
Aim: The Aim of this study was to determine seroprevalence and associated risk factors of HBV infection among inhabitants of Jos North metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted from January-February 2016. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, and risk factors was collected. Blood samples were tested for HBsAg using a one step rapid immuno chromatographic strip and ELISA was employed to confirm the positive samples. A total of 150 subjects (76 male and 74 female) were enrolled in the study.
Results: The seroprevalence of HBsAg was 6.7% (10/150). Most of studied subjects were of Primary educational status 5(6.9%) and married 6(7.2%). While male participants 7(9.2%) had higher prevalence than female participants 3(4.1%), students had the prevalence of 4(4.8%). Highest prevalence in risk factors among subjects was seen in use of needle or any piercing objects 7(9.7%), sexual activities 10(6.7%), blood transfusion 3(11.5%), exposure to blood 1(25.0%) and least seen in history of surgery. Only age showed significantly related association to HBV infection (p value =0.012, X² = 12.908).
Conclusion: In conclusion, this study demonstrates the prevalence of HBsAg infection and the need to make the HBV vaccine available for early vaccination against HBV.