Abstract
BackgroundHepatitis B and C are endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, with prevalence among the highest in the World. However, several challenges impede the progression towards the elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030 as suggested by the World Health Organization Global health sector strategy on viral hepatitis, including the lack of knowledge on the scale of this epidemic in the region. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B and C among female sex workers (FSW) in Togo.MethodsThis ancillary study from a national cross-sectional bio-behavioral study was conducted in 2017 using a respondent-driven sampling (RDS) method, in eight towns of Togo among FSW. Socio-demographic, behavioral and sexual characteristics were assessed using a standardized questionnaire. Blood samples were collected for HIV, hepatitis B and C serological testing. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and a logistic regression model.ResultsOut of the 1,036 FSW recruited for this study, biological analyses for viral hepatitis were completed for 769 of them. The median age was 26 years [IQR: 22–33] and 49.8% (n = 383) had attained secondary school. The prevalence of hepatitis B was 9.9% [95% CI: (7.9–12.2)] and the prevalence of hepatitis C was 5.3% [95% CI: (3.9–7.2)]. Higher hepatitis B and C prevalence was associated with recruitment out of Lomé (aOR: 6.63; 95%CI: 3.51–13.40, p <0.001 and OR: 2.82; 95% CI: [1.37–5.99]; p<0.001, respectively) and, for hepatitis B, with never using condoms for vaginal intercourse (OR: 3.14; 95%CI: [1.02–8.71]; p<0.05).ConclusionsResults from this study reveals high prevalence of hepatitis B and C among FSW in Togo and an opportunity for advocacy toward the introduction of immunizations and treatment in this population.
Highlights
Viral hepatitis is an important public health issue, with a significant burden on communities across the world [1]
Out of the 1,036 female sex workers (FSW) recruited for this study, biological analyses for viral hepatitis were completed for 769 of them
Hepatitis B and C among female sex workers and C prevalence was associated with recruitment out of Lome and, for hepatitis B, with never using condoms for vaginal intercourse (OR: 3.14; 95% confidence interval (95%CI): [1.02–8.71]; p
Summary
Viral hepatitis is an important public health issue, with a significant burden on communities across the world [1]. Viral hepatitis was estimated to be responsible for 1.4 million deaths in 2016 due to acute infection, hepatitis-related liver cancer and cirrhosis [1, 2]. Of these deaths, approximately 47% were due to hepatitis B virus (HBV), while 48% were attributable to hepatitis C virus (HCV) [1, 2]. The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Health Sector strategy on viral hepatitis has set a goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a major public health threat by 2030, by reducing new infections by 90% and mortality by 65% [1, 3]. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B and C among female sex workers (FSW) in Togo
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
