Factors associated with hepatitis B and C among adults in Buea, Cameroon: A community-based cross-sectional study

Viral hepatitis is a major cause of death in Africa. A paucity of community-based studies on the determinants of viral hepatitis in Africa impedes efforts to appropriately target prevention, screening, and treatment interventions. We assessed factors associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a semi-urban health district in Cameroon.

We conducted a community-based, cross-sectional study from 28 February to 15 May 2021 in the Buea Health District in Buea, Cameroon. We recruited a sample of consenting individuals aged over 15 years old. Participants were surveyed for factors associated with HBV/HCV and were screened for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and HCV antibody using rapid point-of-care tests. We performed univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses to identify factors associated with HBsAg and HCV seropositivity.

We screened 1144 participants (66% female) with a median age of 30 years (IQR: 23-44). HBsAg prevalence was 5.7% (95%CI: 4.5-7.2%) and HCV seropositivity was 1.9% (95%CI: 1.3-2.9%). Three people (0.3%) were seropositive for both HBsAg and HCV antibody. Male sex (adjusted OR [aOR] = 2.31; 95%CI: 1.28-4.18) and a history of traditional operation or scarification (aOR = 2.87; 95%CI: 1.67-4.92) were associated with HBsAg. None of the assessed factors was significantly associated with HCV antibody.

Men and participants with a history of traditional operation and scarification had higher odds of HBsAg. We did not observe any associations with HCV seropositivity. Prevention and screening efforts among adults in this setting should prioritize men and those with a history of traditional operation and scarification.