article · International Journal of General Medicine
Data on hepatitis B virus infection in the general population of Ethiopia remain scarce because the country lacks a national surveillance strategy for viral hepatitis. A community-based study examined 612 adults in Southwest Ethiopia to evaluate infection prevalence and identify associated factors using rapid serological testing for the hepatitis B surface antigen. The results revealed an infection prevalence of 9.0 per cent, showing high endemicity within the adult population. Half of the surveyed individuals were between 25 and 34 years of age. Significant associations with infection were observed for individuals with gum tattooing, body tattooing, and contact with a jaundiced person. Addressing these modifiable exposure routes through tailored behavioural education and communication initiatives could substantially assist in reducing transmission across communities.
Hepatitis B is a widespread viral infection that can lead to severe liver disease. Because national surveillance data are lacking, community-level studies provide crucial visibility on disease burden. Highlighting specific local transmission pathways, such as gum and body tattooing, allows healthcare authorities to direct resources toward targeted community awareness and preventive education where they are needed most.
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PURPOSE: Ethiopia is grouped with countries with no national strategy for surveillance of viral hepatitis. Hence, data on hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the general population are limited. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of HBV infection among adults in Southwest Ethiopia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Southwest Ethiopia, from November 1, 2017-January 30, 2018. A total of 612 individuals were included in the study using a multistage sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data and a whole blood sample was aseptically collected and tested for HBsAg using a commercially available rapid serological test kit. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were employed and odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was retrieved. P-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: Among 612 participants, half of them, 310 (50.7%), were in the age range of 25-34 years. The mean age of the respondents was 32.5 [SD ±7.5] years. Seroprevalence of HBsAg among adults was 55/612 (9.0%). Tattooing on gums (AOR=23.9, 95% CI (2.2-26.3)), tattooing on the body (AOR=6.8, 95% CI (1.1-43.1)), and contact with a jaundiced person (AOR=20.7, 95% CI (6.7-63.8)) were significantly associated with seroprevalence of HBsAg. CONCLUSION: Hepatitis B virus infection in adults at the community level is highly endemic. Modifiable risk factors such as tattooing on gums, tattooing on body, and contact with a jaundiced person account for the high HBV infection. Hence, behavioral education and communication programs designed to reduce HBV infection need to address these modifiable factors.
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DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s259375
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