Prevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antiginaemia and Risk Behaviour Among Youths in Kwanpe Community of Lantang North, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Hepatitis B infection is an important public health problem especially in developing countries where the prevalence is on the increase. Understanding the epidemiology of the diseases is important in its prevention and eradication. Adopting a descriptive designed, 320 people participated voluntarily. Data was collected through history taking and laboratory examination. Findings revealed that 116/1000 were infected with hepatitis B virus and prevalence of vaccination against hepatitis B in this population was low. We concluded that the prevalence of hepatitis B among youths in Kwanpe community of Lantang north is high. Therefore, an urgent enlightenment campaign about the risk factors associated with hepatitis B infection should be launched by Plateau State government.