Affiliations: [a] Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria | [b] Department of Haematology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria | [c] Department of Haematology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Osaro Erhabor, Department of Haematology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria. Tel.: +2348139625990; E-mail:n_osaro@yahoo.com
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B (HB) is a serious global public health
problem that put health professionals particularly at risk. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence
of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among Biomedical Students of African
descent attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto in North-Western Nigeria. METHODS: The Onsite HBsAg (CTK Biotech, USA) was used to detect the
presence of hepatitis B surface antigen. RESULTS: We tested 186 consecutively-recruited students consisting
of 147 males and 39 females aged 18-35 years (mean age 26 ± 2.0 years).
Of the 186 students tested, 25 (13.4%) were positive for HBsAg. The
prevalence of HBsAg was significantly higher among students in the 21-25 years
age group. Hepatitis B vaccination uptake among students was 7%.
Majority of subjects were single 173(93.1%) compared to married 13
(6.9%). Ethnic distribution of the subjects indicated that 104(55.9%)
were Hausa compared to Yoruba 32 (17.2%), other ethnic groups
21(11.3%), Fulani 20(10.8%) and Igbo 9(4.8%). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates a high prevalence of hepatitis B
virus infection among Biomedical students in Sokoto, North Western, Nigeria.
Finding from this study is enough justification for the implementation of a
policy to routinely test students entering into the biomedical professions
for Hepatitis B virus infection. There is the need to provide hepatitis B
vaccination universally to all those who are found negative prior to
commencement of their biomedical training. There is also need to educate
students entering biomedical professions and healthcare workers on the modes
of transmission and prevention, importance of being compliant with
protective vaccination as well as the need to observe universal precaution
and infection control guidelines during their training and future
professional practice.
