Seroprevalence and factors associated with Hepatitis B virus infection among students in two senior high schools in the Krachi Nchumuru district in Ghana-A cross sectional study
Date
2023
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BMC Research Notes
Abstract
Background There is paucity of hepatitis B virus (HBV) data among student populations although Ghana is HBV
endemic. Screening and identification of factors associated with HBV transmission in schools will support the
intervention in the elimination of the virus by 2030. This study assessed the seroprevalence and factors associated
with HBV among students in two Senior High Schools in the Krachi Nchumuru District in Ghana.
Methods Through cross-sectional design and simple random sampling technique, 300 first-year students were
enrolled from selected Senior High Schools. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data on demographic and
exposure factors while rapid test kit was used to detect HBV infections. Chi-square/Fisher exact test and multivariable
logistic regression were performed to determine the association between the variables at a 95% confidence interval
and 0.05 significant level.
Results Seroprevalence of HBV was 14% (42/300) among the students. The prevalence was significantly (p=0.001)
higher in males 19.4% (34/175) than females 6.4% (8/125). 77.7% (233/300) were aware of HBV infection. Males
who were circumcised were 4 times more likely to be infected with HBV (AOR=4.09, 95%CI=1.82–9.19) (p=0.001)
compared with those uncircumcised.
Conclusion HBV screening and education on hygienic genital circumcision practices must be prioritized in endemic
countries.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Seroprevalence, HBV, Students, Circumcision, Ghana