Serological Markers and Risk Factors Associated with Hepatitis B Virus Infection Among Federal Capital Territory Prison Inmates, Nigeria: Should We Be Concerned?

Overview

Journal PLoS One

Specialties General Medicine
Science

Date 2021 Mar 11

PMID 33705419

Citations 4

Authors

Chioma Cindy Dan-Nwafor

Ikeola Adeoye

Kehinde Aderemi

Martins Onuoha

Elizabeth Adedire

Adebobola Bashorun

Damaris Osunkwo

Saheed Gidado

Muhammad Balogun

Suleiman Idris

Ibrahim Ade-Yusuf

Ekpedeme Udom

Patrick Nguku

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is hyper-endemic in Nigeria. Prisons are high-risk environments for the spread of infectious diseases. Worldwide, seroprevalence of HBV infection is substantially higher among individuals in correctional facilities when compared to general population. We determined the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with HBV infection among Kuje prison inmates, Nigeria.

Material And Methods: We conducted a prison facility based cross-sectional study. Interviewer administered questionnaires were used to obtain information on participants socio-demographic characteristics, HBV risk factors, previous HBV test and vaccination history. Blood samples collected from participants were analysed for HBsAg, HBsAb, HBcAb, HBeAg and HBeAb markers using rapid lateral chromatographic immunoassay kit. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis were performed.

Results: A total of 271 inmates (63 convicts and 208 awaiting trial inmates) were recruited into the study as participants. The mean age of the participants was 32.7 SD±9 years. HBV seroprevalence (HBsAg) of 13.7% (95% CI: 9.8-18.3) was found. 55.4% (95% CI: 49.2-61.4) of inmates were susceptible to HBV infection, 20.7% (95%CI; 16.0-26.0) had past HBV infection while 10.3% (95% CI: 7.0-14.6) had acquired natural or artificial HBV immunity. Factors found to be associated with current HBV infection (HBsAg) include age-group ≤25years (aOR = 8.0,95% CI: 2.9-22.3), being ever married (aOR = 4.2, 95% CI: 1.7-10.4) and history of alcohol consumption (aOR = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.3-8.4).

Conclusion: This study reveals a high seroprevalence of HBV infection among Kuje Prison inmates, hence the need to introduce prison-focused health intervention initiatives such as HBV screening, vaccination and care to reduce the transmission of HBV infection among inmates and ultimately the general population.

Citing Articles

Unveiling the Silent Crisis Amidst Tackling Hepatitis B in African Prisons - A Public Health Emergency.

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PMID: 40066240 PMC: 11892014. DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.70543.

SEROPREVALENCE OF HBsAg, HCV AND HIV AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS IN A CORRECTIONAL FACILITY IN SOUTHERN NIGERIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Egbi O, Oyedepo D, Edeki I, Aladeh D, Ujah T, Okpiri J Ann Ib Postgrad Med. 2025; 22(2):54-60.

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Orabueze I, Ike A, Aniche O, Nwafia I, Ebede S BMC Public Health. 2024; 24(1):1203.

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Tadesse K, Ayalew G, Million Y, Gelaw A PLoS One. 2024; 19(4):e0301973.

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Seroprevalence and Associated Factors of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Viral Infections Among Prisoners in Tigrai, Northern Ethiopia.

Tsegay B, Gebrecherkos T, Kahsay A, Abdulkader M Infect Drug Resist. 2023; 16:3743-3750.

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