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Abstract
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is the predominant cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide; however, data on HAV prevalence among schoolchildren are limited. This study aimed to investigate HAV seroprevalence among schoolchildren in Amran governorate. This is a cross-sectional study that was carried out among 299 students between October 2023 and July 2024. The blood specimens were collected, and the anti-HAV antibody was detected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Of 299 students screened, the seropositivity rate for HAV was 4 (1.3%). A higher rate of HAV was detected among male students 3 (1.6%), in the age group of 5–8 years 1 (11.1%), and in those whose parents had a secondary certificate 2 (2.3%). Moreover, a higher seroprevalence of HAV was observed among students who drank untreated water (1.6%) and those with a history of hepatitis A infection (6.7%). Additionally, this result revealed that children whose families had a history of HAV infection had the highest risk factors for HAV infection (OR = 8.9667), and those whose family members had an HAV infection (OR = 1.9029). To combat the HAV requires the implementation of preventive measures aimed at improving hygiene and sanitation, advocating widespread vaccination, and a rapid response to outbreaks of the virus.
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