PREVALENCE OF HbSAg (HBV) INFECTION AMONG ADULT PATIENT ATTENDING GENERAL HOSPITAL TSAFE, ZAMFARA STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACTHepatitis B virus infection is among the leading public health burdens especially in developing countries. In high prevalence areas, the most common routes of HBV transmission are prenatal and horizontal transmission. Also, heterosexual practices, unprotected sex, infection, blood transfusion as well as sharing of sharp objects are among possible routes of transmission. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection accounts for about 1 million deaths worldwide annually. This study was to determine the seroprevalence, distribution of HBV, factors associated with infection and the rate of infection among adult patient coming from different geographical area associated with General Hospital Tsafe, Zamfara State- Nigeria. A cross-sectional clinic base study among the patients was conducted, employing sampling technique. Data on demographic, social, and behavioral indicators were collected using questionnaires and blood samples tested for HBV. The overall total of (116) blood samples were collected intravenously and were screened for HbSAg infection, Of the (116) samples, 70 (60.3%) were males, 46 (39.7 %) were females. Out of the 70 (60.3 %) males 17 (14.7%) had HbSAg infection and of the 46 females 8 (6.9 %) were infected with HbSAg infection (P= 0.017), The Overall prevalence of HbSAg infection was 21.6 % (25 of 116). Statistical analysis showed that there was a highly significant association (P= 0.05). According to the age range, the distribution of HbSAg infection showed highest prevalence among patients aged 26-30 (8, 6.9%), however the lowest infection was detected among aged 31-35 (4, 3.4%) years. Based on the educational status of the patients, frequency of HbSAg infection was higher; this study has demonstrated an HbSAg prevalence rate of 21.6 %. Its therefore demonstrates the higher increase in HbSAg prevalence among adult patient attending general hospital Tsafe, as a result of absent of HB immunization. There is a gradual increase in the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen in our environment possibly due to the lack of awareness and HB immunization. There is the need for awareness campaign within Tsafe community to limit the spread of the disease and the importance of Vaccine. They should be educated on the need to adhere to treatment and adequate management of HbSAg infections. The prevalence level recorded is due to lack of enlighten campaign in health matters or awareness in the source of infection. as government is not paying much attention to the problem. This has aggravated the problem of hepatitis B virus and other related disease in the study area.