Title: Nationwide Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Ethiopia: A Population- Based cross-sectional Study
Abstract:
Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. In Ethiopia, there is a paucity of nationwide HBV sero-prevalence. The aim of this study is to assess sero-prevalence of HBV infection and identify associated risk factors in the country.
Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted from stored serum samples of the nationwide Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) step-wise survey among people aged 15-69 years in all geographical areas in the country. A mix of sampling approach (stratified, three-stage cluster sampling, simple random sampling and Kish method) was used to select the study settings and the study participants.
Findings: There were a total of 7789 study participants: 26.4% were from urban areas and 59.5 % were females. The nationwide sero-prevalence of HBsAg was 9.4% (95% CI, 8.3-10.7) with significant regional variation having its highest burden in Afar Regional State (28.8% (95% CI 21.2-37.8) and lowest in Harari Regional State 4.9% (95% CI, 2.0-11.8).
This national study revealed significantly, higher prevalence of anti-HBsAg in males compared to females [10.3% vs 8.4%; p=0.004].
Conclusion: The findings of this study showed high endemicity level of HBV infection in Ethiopia, calling for strengthened HBV infection prevention, care and treatment services.
Keywords: Hepatitis B Virus, HBsAg, HBV Seroprevalence, Population Based Study, Ethiopia.
Biography:
Atsbeha Gebreegziabxier Weldemariam is a Nanoscience by profession and He complete his MSc in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Spain. Currently He works in Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Ethiopia for Ten years which involved as a researcher in clinical and biomedical research and Nanomedicine research (focused on infectious diseases including HIV, TB, and HBV/HCV) and as a public health professional coordinating and participating in national HIV and HIV/TB survey and surveillance, and in evaluating national programs related to HIV, HIV/TB and HCV/HBV. He has published scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals and more than 16 training awards in USA, Europe, Japan, Africa etc. Travel experience in Europe, USA, Japan, and Africa.