Prevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis B Antibodies among Commercial Motor Park Workers in Jos North, Nigeria

Abstract

Although there are several reports on the prevalence of HBsAg in Nigeria, there is paucity of data on the prevalence of HBsAg and HBAb among motor park workers in the country. Objective: This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors among commercial Motor park workers in Jos, Nigeria. Methods: One hundred and thirty one (131) commercially motor park Workers who consented to take part in this study were recruited. Aseptically, 5ml of venous blood was collected from each participant and screened for HBsAg and HBAbs markers using one step, rapid chromatographic immunoassay and associated risk factors using structured questionnaire which was voluntarily completed by the participants and the data were thereafter analysed. Results: Of the 131 participants, 105 were males and 26 females with age range between 16-75 years. An overall HBsAg seropositivity of 16.8% and HBAbs positivity of 74.8% were observed. On multivariate analysis, factors such as multiple sexual partners: HBsAg (35.0%), anti-HBs (10.0%), anti-HBe (20.0%) and anti-HBc (35.0%); history of surgery: HBsAg (64.3%), anti-HBs (21.4%), anti-HBe (7.1%) and anti-HBc (7.1); lack of condom usage: HBsAg (15.7%) anti-HBs (28.7%), anti-HBe (18.3%) and anti-HBc (27.8%) were among some determinants of HBV infection in this study. Conclusion: The data results suggest high prevalence of HBV among this mobile group of people;, and with the increasing number of individuals and corporate bodies engaged in one or more activities at motor parks, there is the need for deliberate efforts for preventive measures.