Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors for Hepatitis B and C Virus Infections Among Apparently Healthy Mothers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Date
2017-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: Viral hepatitis is a global public health problem affecting millions of people every year, causing disability and death. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses are common causes of viral hepatitis. Studies in different parts of the world showed that viral hepatitis due to HBV and HCV causes considerable morbidity and mortality from both acute infection and chronic sequelae including chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Community based studies about the prevalence of each viral infections among apparently healthy mothers in Ethiopia has not been conducted, particularly in Addis Ababa.
Objective: To determine the Sero-prevalence of HBsAg and HCV among apparently healthy mothers and to identify potential risk factors associated with the infections.
Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted among 454 apparently healthy mothers, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from June 2016 to May 2017. A systematic probability sampling method was employed. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics and associated risk factors. All samples were tested, using a sandwich third generation enzyme linked Immunosorbent assay for HBsAg, HBcAb, and HCV by using Bio-Rad ELISA kits.
Results: Four hundred and fifty four apparently healthy mothers were involved in this study. Sero-prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus infections were found to be 3.7% and 2.0% respectively. One hundred sixty five (36.3%) were found to be positive for HBcAb. None of them was co-infected by these two viruses. Among the assessed variables and clinical presentations, previous history of liver disease ((AOR=5.5 CI (1.8-16.5), history of jaundice (AOR=17.8 CI (4.0-75.5), and family history of liver disease (AOR= 3.2 CI (1.0-10.4) were significantly associated with HBV infection which were important predictors of HBV infection. Marital statuses, consumption of alcohol (AOR=6.9 (1.3-37.0) and history of jaundice (AOR=19.2 (CI 3.5-104.9) were significantly associated with the occurrence of HCV infection.
Conclusion: Hepatitis B and C appear to be a major health problem in our community. Our study finding indicated that an intermediate level of hepatitis B and C virus infection among the study groups and routine screening and vaccine schedules (for HBV) may be important. Therefore, screening asymptomatic people is an important instrument in disease detection, prompt diagnosis and intervention.
Key words: Hepatitis B and C virus, sero-prevalence, apparently healthy mothers, risk factors
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Keywords
Hepatitis B and C virus, Sero-prevalence, Apparently healthy mothers, Risk factors