Prevalence of Hepatitis B Viral Infection and Associated Risk Factors among Residents of Goesa Community, Shendam LGC, Plateau State, Nigeria

Aim: To assess the prevalence of Hepatitis B viral infection and the associated risk factors among residents of Goesa community, Shendam Local Government Area, Plateau state, Nigeria.

Study Design: A prospective study conducted using non-probability sampling. Objective and subjective data on Hepatitis B viral infection and associated risk factors were collected using a pro-forma to obtain and record relevant information.

Place and Study Duration: Goesa community, Shendam Local Government Area, Plateau state, Nigeria; October 2022.

Methodology: A prospective study conducted using non-probability sampling to recruit 124 respondents that gave consent to be screened for Hepatitis B and participate in the study in October, 2022. A pro-forma was used to obtain information regarding demographics, risk factors associated with contracting Hepatitis B virus, previous Hepatitis B virus screening result and Hepatitis B virus vaccination history. These were determined by interviewing and testing each participant for Hepatitis B virus.

Results: A total of 124 study participants were screened for Hepatitis B with a mean age of 30 ±10.4 years. The study population comprised of equal numbers of males and females, 62 each. 41.9%, 51.6% and 6.5% had primary, secondary and tertiary level of education respectively and 78.2% were businessmen and women. Out of the 124 study participants, 14 tested positive to hepatitis B. About 2 (14.3%) of those who tested positive have a history of blood transfusion. Also, a statistically significant relationship exists between the level of education and participants’ history of Hepatitis B screening as revealed by the output of study analysis (p<0.05). The prevalence rate of Hepatitis B virus in Goesa community was 11.29%.

Conclusion: The prevalence rate of Hepatitis B infection among the study participants in Goesa community is 11.29%, and the most common risk factor associated with contracting this virus is a history of blood transfusion. Other risk behaviors practiced among the study population include body piercing (tattoo) and sharing of razor blades. Results of the study revealed that educated individuals in this community are more open to go for Hepatitis B screening than those that are uneducated.