Vol. 21 No. 2 (2022)
Original Articles

Seroprevalence of hepatitis A, B and C infections among patients attending health care facilities in two riverine communities in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

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  • Dora I. Udoh,
  • Baritudor T. Siedoma,
  • Aniekan-Augusta O. Eyo
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12957/bjhbs.2022.71625

Published 2023-01-03

How to Cite

1.
I. Udoh D, T. Siedoma B, O. Eyo A-A. Seroprevalence of hepatitis A, B and C infections among patients attending health care facilities in two riverine communities in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. BJHBS [Internet]. 2023 Jan. 3 [cited 2024 Nov. 21];21(2):111-20. Available from: https://bjhbs.hupe.uerj.br/bjhbs/article/view/11

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Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis infections are endemic in many countries. The serological hallmark for these infections is the presence of antibodies and antigens in the blood of the infected persons. These serological markers give an idea on the seropositivity of specific hepatitis. Objectives: This research was designed to investigate the seroprevalence of hepatitis A (HAV), B (HBV) and C (HCV) infections among patients attending health care facilities in two riverine communities in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross sectional-descriptive study was conducted in two riverine communities, namely: Ikot Abasi and Oron, as well as one upland community, Uyo, as a control. Ethical approval and consents were obtained from the State Ministry of Health and volunteers. Three hundred (300) blood samples, 100 samples from each study area were collected and tested for the presence of HAV, HBV, and HCV antibodies and antigens using hepatitis rapid immunoassay and antibodies kits (Acon Diagnostics, USA), respectively. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain socio-demographic information from participants. Results: The prevalence rates of HAV, HBV, and HCV infections were: 14%, 10% and 6% in Ikot Abasi; 20%, 14% and 8% in Oron; while Uyo recorded 2%, 12% and 6%, respectively. The prevalence of HAV infection at the riverine communities was significantly higher than in the control (p=0.016). Children ≤ 10 years showed a higher prevalence of HAV. The prevalence of HBV and HCV infections in the riverine communities did not differ from the control (p=0.011). Prevalence based on socio-demographic parameters differed (p<0.05) in some studyareas. Conclusion: Predisposing factors for the transmission of hepatitis A infection, such as indiscriminate sewage disposal, lack of awareness and sensitization campaign abound inriverine communities. These factors are not responsible for transmission of HBV and HCV infections in both the riverineand non-riverine communities. Therefore, proper hygiene,good sexual conduct, awareness and vaccination campaign are encouraged in the study areas.

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