High-Risk Behaviour among Hepatitis B Virus-Infected Patients in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Background: We evaluated the pattern and socio-demographic predictors of high-risk behaviour for hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission among HBV-infected Nigerian adults in order to provide clues for intensifying HBV prevention and control.
Methodology: 200 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive patients attending the Jos University Teaching Hospital were enrolled in a cross-sectional study from June to November, 2010. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information from the participants regarding their socio-demographic characteristics, and history of HBV-related risk factors in the 12 months preceding the study.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 34 ± 8 years, females (61.0%) were in the majority and only 2 subjects (1.0%) reported previous HBV vaccination. One hundred and fifty one subjects (75.5%) reported at least one risk factor for HBV transmission. The commonest risky practices were sharing of unsterilized sharp instruments for various purposes reported by 141 subjects (70.5 %) and having multiple sex partners (46.5%). Sharing of sharps was significantly associated with male sex (79.5% vs. 62.7%, χ²=4.97, p=0.03) and low educational status (81.1% vs. 64.3%, χ²=6.32, p=0.01). Male subjects (70.3% vs. 35.0%, χ²=22.52, p<0.0001) and those with high educational status (54.0% vs. 33.8%, χ²=7.64, p=0.006) were significantly more likely to have multiple sex partners.
Conclusion: There is a high rate of risky practices for HBV transmission among HBV-infected patients and such practices have important socio-demographic predictors. This justifies a call for urgent and targeted steps to intensify HBV prevention and control in our environment.