Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus and Associated Factors Among Commercial Sex Workers in Dessie City, Ethiopia, 2018
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2018-06
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: Commercial sex workers are risk population for HBV infection and key or core populations for hepatitis B virus transmission. Even though, most international guidelines recommend that several high-risk groups like sex workers be screened for HBsAg, sex workers have never been the target of Hepatitis B virus screening program in Ethiopia. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of hepatitis B virus infection among commercial sex workers in Dessie City, Amhara Region, Ethiopia 2018. Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted from March 1st to April 1st 2018 in Dessie City, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. The sample size was determined using a single population proportion formula. A total of 247 Commercial sex workers recruited for the study. Simple random sampling method was used to select participants from the existing registered data. Data was collected after obtaining an informed and written consent from each study participants. Blood specimens from study participants was collected under aseptic technique and tested for HBsAg using Rapid diagnostic test (RDT) which have 99% sensitivity and specificity. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 24. Result: Among the 230 study participants, 130(56.5%) of the study participants works in Hotel, club, bar or restaurant and the mean age of the respondents was 26.5 (SDĀ± 6.093) years. Of the total participants undergone laboratory test for hepatitis B virus, the overall prevalence of hepatitis B virus among commercial sex workers was 17.4% (95% CI: 12.6, 22.2). In this study having children or dependent, number of clients per week, age at first sex and vaginal discharge with a foul smell were a significant predictor of hepatitis B. There is no statically significant relationship between use of shared sharp materials, alcoholic drink before sex, history of blood transfusion, duration in sex work and charge per client. Conclusion and recommendation: The prevalence of hepatitis B virus among commercial sex workers in this study was high (17.4%) when compared to the general population. Hepatitis B among commercial sex workers is highly associated with sexual factors and emphasis should be given for commercial sex workers.
Description
Keywords
Hepatitis B; Female sex workers; High risk groups; Prevalence; Associated factors.