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Published on: November 7, 2018
Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection and its associated factors among students in N'Djamena, Chad
Nalda Debsikréo1,2, Birwé Léon Mankréo1, Azoukalné Moukénet1,3
1Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal.
Insights
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affects 14.87% of N'djamena university students. Key risk factors include an HBsAg-positive mother, medical procedures, and living with family, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a significant global public health challenge.
- Chad exhibits a notable HBV prevalence of 12.4% across all age demographics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To ascertain the prevalence of HBV infection among university students in N'Djamena, Chad.
- To identify factors associated with HBV infection within this student population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 457 students from July 3-23, 2021.
- Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was tested using rapid kits and confirmed with automated analyzers.
- Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were employed to identify significant associations.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of HBV infection among N'Djamena students was found to be 14.87%.
- Significant risk factors included having an HBsAg-positive mother (AOR: 2.11), history of transcutaneous medical procedures (AOR: 2.97), and living with family (AOR: 4.63).
- Age 26 years or older was identified as a protective factor (AOR: 0.41).
Conclusions:
- The study reveals a high HBV prevalence of 14.87% in N'Djamena's university student population.
- Recommendations include enhanced student awareness campaigns, mandatory hepatitis B vaccination prior to schooling, widespread screening, and reduced vaccination costs.
Introduction:
Infection by hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major issue in public health. The prevalence of HBV in Chad is 12.4%, all age groups considered. Here, we aimed to determine the prevalence of HBV and its associated factors among university students in N'Djamena, the country's capital.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey of students at either the University of N'djamena or Emi Koussi University was conducted from 3 to 23 July 2021. All participating students provided signed, informed consent and were included in the study consecutively. Blood samples were collected, and serum tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using the Determine HBsAg rapid test kit, with confirmation of positive tests on an Abbott Architect i1000SR analyzer. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression were used to determine associations between the outcome variable and independent/covariate variables.
Results:
A total of 457 students with a median age of 24 years were included across different faculties. The prevalence of HBV infection was 14.87% (68/457). Most students (75%) were aged 25 years or less. Unprotected sex was reported by 64.9% of the students and multiple sexual partners by 53.6%. Furthermore, 45.7% of them reported having no knowledge of hepatitis B. Having an HBsAg-positive mother (AOR: 2.11), having a history of transcutaneous medical procedures (AOR: 2.97) and living with a family (AOR: 4.63) were significantly associated with HBV status. Age ≥26 years appeared as a protective factor (AOR = 0.41).
Conclusion:
Our study detected a high, 14.87% prevalence of HBV infection among students in N'djamena, Chad, and shed light on its associated factors. HBV prevention strategies should include raising awareness among students, making full hepatitis vaccination mandatory before children begin school, promoting mass screening to identify and treat chronic HBV carriers and reduce transmission, and reducing the cost of vaccination.
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