Incidence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C virus at Mararaba community, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The liver plays a crucial role in metabolism and detoxification, and its inflammation, known as hepatitis, can be caused by viruses. The study was carried out to assess the incidence of Hepatitis B and C virus in a group of 97 volunteers from Mararaba, Nasarawa State. Hepatitis B and C Virus are the predominant viral culprits behind liver disease. These infections frequently become long-term, potentially progressing to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma. At Kings Care Hospital Limited, blood samples from study participants were screened for the presence of Hepatitis B surface antigens (HBsAg) and Hepatitis C Virus using rapid test strips. The study also collected demographic data on age and sex of the participants. IBM SPSS Version 25 was used to perform data analysis, which included a Chi-square test. Results showed a low prevalence: 3.1% (n=3) for HBV and 1.0% (n=1) for HCV. Most participants were female (71.1%) and in the 18-35 and 36-60 age groups. Gender and age did not show a statistically significant link to seropositivity. The prevalence rates were consistent with global averages but lower than Nigeria's national rates (8.1% for HBV and 1.1% for HCV). The study's limited number of positive cases affected the statistical power. While the study found low rates of Hepatitis B and C viral infections in Mararaba community, the findings underscore the ongoing need for key interventions.