Serological Evidence of Hepatitis B Virus among Secondary School Students in a Community in Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus is among the common viral infectious agents of global public health concern because it increases the risk of hepatocellular cancer, liver fibrosis, and mortality from liver disease. The study's objectives were to detect hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the blood samples of students of Government Secondary School, Bet, Pankshin, Plateau State. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted between October and November 2018. Blood samples were collected from 168 participants which were analysed for HBsAg using a One-step Rapid Strip (Royal Care) and HBeAg by Combo Test Device (Skytech USA). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0 (USA). P-values < 0.05 were considered significant. An overall 7.1% of the 168 samples analysed were seropositive for HBsAg and 6.7% for HBeAg. Males had a seropositivity of 11.6%, whereas females had a seropositivity of 4.0% (p = 0.061). The distribution of HBsAg in relation to age group was higher in the age group 13-19 years with 7.3% and the lowest in the age group 6-12 years with 6.7%. Those with history of sexual exposures had a seropositivity of 14.3% (p = 0.174; OR = 0.371, those with history of exposure to sharp objects had 7.3% (p = 0.869; OR = 0.876), those with the history of blood transfusion had none (p = 0.319; OR = 1.00), participants without history of ever screened for the virus had a seropositivity of 7.4% (p = 0.529; OR = 1.00) while the alcoholics had 13.6% (p = 0.205; OR = 0.416. It is imperative to act quickly to prevent liver disease morbidity and mortality given the seropositivity of 7.1% of HBV, which is of considerable public health concern. There is need to intensify campaign awareness and vaccination against HBV among all unvaccinated age groups.