Knowledge, Serological Markers and Risk Factors associated with Hepatitis B and C Virus Infection among Kuje Prison Inmates, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Prisons are known to be high-risk environments for the spread of blood borne and sexually transmitted infections. Compared to the general population, prevalence of Hepatitis B and C virus (HBV/HCV) infections are disproportionately higher among penitentiary institutionalized individuals worldwide. We determined the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with HBV and HCV infection among Kuje prison inmates, Nigeria. Methods & Materials: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016. Inmates who consented were randomly selected and stratified into convicts and awaiting trial stratum. Interviewer administered Questionnaires were used to obtain information on participants socio-demographic characteristics, HBV risk factors, previous HBV test and vaccination history. Blood samples were collected from all participants and analysed for HCV, HBsAg, HBsAb, HBcAb, HBeAg and HBeAb markers using rapid lateral chromatographic immunoassay kit. HBsAg positive samples were confirmed using ELISA. Epi-info version 7.2.0 was used for univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis. Results: 271 inmates (63 convicts and 208 awaiting trial inmates) were recruited for the study. The mean age of the participants was 32.7 SD ± 9 years. Of the 116(42.8%) who had ever heard of HBV infection, 114 (98%) had poor knowledge of the disease. HCV sero-prevalence was found to be 5.9%, (95% CI; 3.4-9.6) and HBV 13.7%, (95% CI; 9.8-18.3). 55.4% (95% CI; 49.2-61.4) of inmates were susceptible to HBV infection, 20.7% (95% CI; 16.0-26.0) had past or resolved HBV infection while 10.3% (95% CI; 7.0-14.6) had acquired natural or artificial HBV Immunity. Factors found to be associated with HBV infection include age group ≤25 (aOR 8.0; 95% CI = 2.9-22.3), ever married (aOR = 4.2, 95% CI = 1.7-10.4) and history of alcohol consumption (aOR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.3-8.4). Conclusion: There is poor knowledge and high sero-prevalence of HBV and HCV infection among Kuje inmates. This study demonstrates the need for prison focused health intervention initiatives in Nigeria. We advocated HBV vaccination for all susceptible inmates and treatment for HBV positive inmates to reduce the transmission of HBV infection among inmates.