Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus among Patients Attending University Health Clinic, Nasarawa State University, Keffi

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a viral infections that affects liver. The infection can be severe (chronic) that can lead to lifelong infection or death. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B infection among patients attending unversity health clinic, Nassarawa state university, Keffi. Total of 120 blood samples were collected by trained Medical Laboratory Technologist in the university clinic through cubital vein bleeding after which, each sample was screened using Rapid Chromatographic Immunoassay strip as in accordance to manufacturer’s instruction. Data obtained from questionnaire and the results of the laboratory analysis was analyzed. Out of the 120 samples examined, the overall prevalence of the infection 15(12.50%) was recorded. Basad on age group, highest prevalence with HBV fall between 21- 40 years 8(16.00%), followed by 1-20 years 4(10.00%) while the least was in 41 years and above  3(14.2%)  however, in compring mean of the age groups, there is no statistical significant difference (P>0.05). On marital based, separated had the highest prevalence of HBV 5(20.83%) compared to married and single individuals 6(9.67%) and 4(11.67%) although, there is no statistical significant difference. Result as well reveal that the infection based on occupation, business men were having the hihest prevalence 5(14.700%) followed by students 7(14.00%) while least was recorded from civil servants 3(8.33%) however, there is no statistical significant difference between the three categories (p>0.05). Comparing the prevalence of the infection between alcohol consumers and none alcohol consumers, result show that consumers had higher prevalence 7(18.91%) than none consumers 8(9.63%) and there is statistical significant difference between the mean (p<0.05). This findings emphasize the need for comprehensive public health measures to address the burden of hepatitis B in the communities around the university environment and treatment strategies should be put in place.