Study on Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Risk Factors among Children in a Community, North Central Nigeria

Background: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a worldwide health issue and a source of major concern around the globe. Infections caused by hepatitis B virus pose a major challenge to public health. This study evaluates the prevalence and transmission rate of Hepatitis B Virus infection among children of primary school age at our study location.

Method: Three hundred and three (303) volunteer subjects were screened.Structured questionnaire were administered to consenting participants to determine demographic and other risk factors for HBV infection.Samples obtained were analysed using a Laboratory-based immunoassay-HBsAg rapid diagnostic test (RDTs) in lateral flow assays formats. Sera samples obtained were stored at -20oc prior use.

Results: Overall result showed that 46 (15.2%) were sero-positive for HBV infection. Considering age factor, Children aged 10 – 12 years showed a higher prevalence of 16(5.3%) [P-value 0.736; (P >0.05)]. Based on gender of subjects screened, a prevalence of 34(11.2%) was recorded among the males subjects compared to females with 12(4.0%) positivity, [(P < 0.05)]. Risk factors on family history recorded 13(4.3%) positivity, considering place of circumcision as risk factors among male subjects; result showed that subjects circumcised using traditional methods recorded 17 (11.7%) positivity. [P-value 0.856 (P>0.05)].Respondents with history of cuts recorded a prevalence of 29(9.6%) positivity; [P-Value 0.362 (P>0.05)] considering enzyme assay of positive subjects, 13 (4.3%) subjects recorded an elevated Alanine transaminases.

Conclusion: The transmission rate of HBV infection among the family members was found to be high in this study. This upsurge calls for an urgent vaccination of the population by relevant healthcare providers.