Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Associated Factors Among Adults in Southwest Ethiopia: Community-Based...

Ethiopia is grouped with countries with no national strategy for surveillance of viral hepatitis. Hence, data on hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the general population are limited. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of HBV infection among adults in Southwest Ethiopia.

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Southwest Ethiopia, from November 1, 2017-January 30, 2018. A total of 612 individuals were included in the study using a multistage sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data and a whole blood sample was aseptically collected and tested for HBsAg using a commercially available rapid serological test kit. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were employed and odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was retrieved. P-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Among 612 participants, half of them, 310 (50.7%), were in the age range of 25-34 years. The mean age of the respondents was 32.5 [SD ±7.5] years. Seroprevalence of HBsAg among adults was 55/612 (9.0%). Tattooing on gums (AOR=23.9, 95% CI (2.2-26.3)), tattooing on the body (AOR=6.8, 95% CI (1.1-43.1)), and contact with a jaundiced person (AOR=20.7, 95% CI (6.7-63.8)) were significantly associated with seroprevalence of HBsAg.

Hepatitis B virus infection in adults at the community level is highly endemic. Modifiable risk factors such as tattooing on gums, tattooing on body, and contact with a jaundiced person account for the high HBV infection. Hence, behavioral education and communication programs designed to reduce HBV infection need to address these modifiable factors.