Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infections Amongst Students of Government Secondary School Heipang District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Despite tremendous biotechnological and therapeutic advances, hepatitis B Virus (HBV) still constitutes a significant global health challenges. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affects 262 million people worldwide leading to over 824,000 deaths annually. With Nigeria known to be a high HBV burden country, increasing knowledge about viral hepatitis in rural and urban settings combined with testing and vaccination for exposed individuals could be effective strategy to eliminate these viruses in Nigeria. Aim: The study aimed to ascertain the prevalence of HBV infection and risk factors among students of government secondary school Hiepang in Plateau State. Objectives: Determine the prevalence infections among the students, identify risk factors associated with HBV infections and to assess student knowledge and awareness on HBV. Materials and methods: A total of 120 whole blood samples 50 males and 70 females were aseptically obtained from the subjects in Government Secondary School Heipang between the ages of 10-25 years were screened for the present or absent of HBsAg surface antigen using a rapid test kit. Results: of the 120 whole blood samples screened for HBsAg showed sero-positive 10 (8.33%) for hepatitis B virus infection, males had 3 (6.0%) positive, female 7 (10%) positive higher than male. Prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen according age showed that 10-15 years were 70 in number and had 10(14.28%) positive. Demographic characteristics of the respondents on the knowledge and risk factors association with hepatitis B virus shown that 42(35%) had the knowledge about hepatitis, 40(33.33%) known that hepatitis B is caused by virus. On risk factors associated with virus infection, indicated that those sharing piecing objects with others had 21(17.5%), tooth brushes 5(4.17%), those with family history of HBV had 3 (2.5%) with non ever had blood transfusion. Conclusion: The study revealed the presence and circulation of HBsAg among the students in the study area was 8.33% which is high, hence it is suggestive of the need to adopt the WHO recommendations which means mass screening and vaccination of the school and the community at large. Recommendations: There is need for more public awareness the on possible risk factors of the transmission of virus, free screening and treatment of infected persons with antivirus medicines