Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Prison Inmates in Borno State: Determination of Prevalence of Surface Antigen (HBsAg) and Possible Risk Factors of Disease

An epidemiological study on hepatitis B virus infection among prison inmates in Borno state, Nigeria, was carried out using a questionnaire survey to determine the possible risk factors of the disease and serological method [using an Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)] to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among the inmates. The study was conducted in correctional facilities in Maiduguri, Biu and Bama local government area of Borno State. Out of a total of 300 sera tested, 49 (16.3%) had detectable ELISA antibody to HBsAg. A significant difference (p<0.001) in seroprevalence of HBsAg among inmates of different educational qualifications was observed and those with higher education had the highest prevalence (20.9%). Although there was no significant difference in prevalence of HBsAg among the different age groups, the age group 60-69 years had the highest infection rate (33.3%). Homosexuality and duration of stay in prison are shown to be significantly associated with HBsAg infection (P<0.05) among inmates. A significant gender difference was noted among inmates with the males (16.1%) having higher prevalence when compared with females (20.0%). Analysis of spatial distribution of prevalence of HBsAg showed that Maiduguri prison had (20.5%), followed by Biu prison (12.7%) and Bama prison (6.7%) and there was significant difference (P<0.05) in prevalence between prisons. There was no significant (P>0.05) association of prevalence of HBsAg with marital status or occupation of prison inmates. In conclusion, hepatitis b virus infection was found to be prevalent among prison inmates in Borno state with homosexuality and duration of stay in prison as risk factors.