Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B among students at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare

Abstract

Background: The risk of infection of healthcare workers to blood-borne viruses such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) poses a significant risk to themselves, their families, and patients. Therefore, ascertaining the serostatus of health students to HBV before getting exposed to patients during clinical postings is very important so that informed decisions can be made regarding vaccination and treatment. This aligns with the global health sector strategy (GHSS) of the World Health Organisation (WHO) which aims to end viral hepatitis by the year 2030. It was in this light that we conducted this baseline survey among health students of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare.

Method: This was a cross-sectional survey among 300 consecutive undergraduate students of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, Bauchi State conducted on the 2^nd of December 2023. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained before the study. Each participant was tested for HBsAg, HBeAg, AntiHBs, AntiHBc, and AntiHBe, Data was analysed using Statistical Products and Service Solution (SPSS) version 29.

Results: The mean age of the study subjects was 19.43±2.352 years, with an age range of 15-32 years; 96.7% of them were between ages 15-24 years. Females constituted a majority of the subjects [185, 61.7%].

Twelve (4%) students tested positive for the HBsAg (9 males and 3 females) either singly or in combination with other markers of HBV infection. Eleven (91.7%) aged between 15 and 24 years. Only three participants had serological evidence of HBV vaccination. None of the participants tested positive for infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Conclusion: Hepatitis B virus infection is prevalent among the study population with low vaccination status. Urgent steps need to be taken to avert the consequences of chronic hepatitis B virus infection by providing vaccination and support to the infected participants.