Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen among Out Patients Attending a Tertiary Hospital in Kaduna State, Nigeria

A survey was conducted amongst 100 randomly selected out-patients attending Nigerian Reference Hospital (44), Kaduna State, Nigeria, in order to ascertain the prevalence of Hepatitis B infection and the general knowledge of people about this highly infectious disease. Sera collected were tested for the presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using Wondfo Diagnostic rapid test Kit (Biotech co. Ltd., China). Questionnaires were also distributed to the subjects in order to ascertain their perception about the disease, and to obtain useful socio demographic information. Chi square test was used to ascertain statistical associations between important characteristics in the study population. A total of 12 out of the 100 patients tested positive to HBsAg, giving a prevalence of 12%. There was significant association between seropositivity of HBsAg and blood donation (p= 0.018, df= 1), and also immunization status (p= 0.0183, df= 1). The knowledge of HBV infection in the study population was generally poor and this may have accounted for the prevalence of 12% in the study population.