Sero-prevalence of hepatitis B and C and HIV among students at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare.

Abstract

Background: Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis viruses B and C have been reported to be endemic in some Nigeria's institutions of higher learning. Several studies have reported varying prevalence rates for hepatitis B and C viruses and HIV among undergraduate students in Nigerian universities.

Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive prevalence study of hepatitis B and C viruses and HIV among students at Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare conducted on the 2nd of December 2023. Screening for hepatitis B and C viruses and HIV was done using standard procedures. Ethical approval was obtained in addition to individual consent from all participants.

Results: Three hundred students with the mean age of 19.43±2.352 years were studied. 96.7% were aged 24 years or younger; females being the majority [185, 61.7%]. The majority of the participants were in their 200 level (190, 63.3%). Ten health-related programmes were represented in the survey. Twelve participants (4%) were positive for HBsAg; nine (75%) being males. One participant was positive for HBeAg, while only three (1%) of the participants had evidence of prior HBV vaccination, thus giving us a window of opportunity for vaccination. None of the participants had evidence of infection with HCV or HIV.

Conclusion: Screening students of health-related courses should be routinely done to ascertain their status to prevent occupational exposures and transmission in the healthcare setting. Results from this survey will inform formulation of policies that will protect our future healthcare force and safeguard the lives of patients.