Knowledge and burden of hepatitis B virus in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study focuses on the prevalence and awareness of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. HBV is a major cause of viral hepatitis globally and poses significant health risks. In Nasarawa State, the burden of HBV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is high, with limited efforts to control its spread. Previous studies mainly focused on determining the prevalence rate without recourse to the drivers of HBV. The study aims to not only determine the prevalence of HBV but also assess knowledge gaps and contributing factors. The study included five hundred participants and collected socio-demographic data alongside serum samples from positive participants, which were tested for various HBV markers using CTK Biotech, Inc.'s (California, USA) five-panel HBV diagnostic kits. While 77.8 % of participants had heard of HBV, only 47 % understood that it can be transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. Also, The overall prevalence rate of HBV in the study was found to be 10.6 %, with the highest prevalence among individuals aged 25–34. Approximately 47.1 % of cases were acute or early infections, 43.3 % were late acute or chronic, and only 41.7 % of chronic cases had HBeAg present. Alarmingly, 85.6 % of the population had not been vaccinated against HBV. Statistical analysis revealed no significant relationship (P > 0.05) between HBV infection and age, education level, gender, or occupation. The study highlights the need for increased educational efforts to raise awareness about HBV and its transmission. Moreover, it underscores the high burden of HBV in Nasarawa State, particularly in Akwanga, where the prevalence rate reached 16.8 %. Urgent intervention efforts are required to align with the WHO's goal of eliminating HBV by 2030, emphasizing the importance of vaccination and prevention strategies. This study provides valuable insights to inform policy direction and public health initiatives for combating HBV in Nasarawa State, Nigeria.