PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS VIRUS INFECTION AMONG STUDENTS

PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS VIRUS INFECTION AMONG STUDENTS

ABSTRACT

This shows the prevalence of Hepatitis virus among students of federal polytechnic Nasarawa, Nasarawa State Nigeria. One hundred (100) blood samples among women attending antenatal in general hospital Nasarawa were examined for Hepatitis surface antigen (HBsAg) and One hundred blood samples were obtained from the students of federal polytechnic Nasarawa and screened for the same virus using a smack test kits. Out of 100 samples screened for pregnant women 12 (12%) were positive and for the hundred samples screened among the students10 (10%) were positive making the prevalence to be higher in pregnant women than the student population. HBsAg was more prevalent among people within the age group 26-30 years both in pregnant women and the students population (13.84% and 5.71%) than the age group 21-25 years (5.71%). From the study, there was statistical significance in relation to history of hepatitis and history of operation, while Age, Number of sex partner, Socio-economic status, History of transfusion and Marital status shows no significance. This shows that Hepatitis B is less prevalent in Nasarawa among the student population as compared to the pregnant women. This called for the need to intensify the awareness campaign on Hepatitis B among pregnant women.                                        

CHAPTER ONE

1.0       INTRODUCTION

Hepatitis virus is an infectious illness of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) that affects apes, including humans (Chang,2007; Barker et al.,1996). It was originally known as “serum hepatitis^. The acute illness causes liver inflammation, vomiting, jaundice, and, rarely, death. Chronic hepatitis B may eventually cause cirrhosis and liver cancer—a disease with poor response to all but a few current therapies. The infection is preventable by vaccination.

The virus is transmitted by exposure to infectious blood or body fluids such as semen and vaginal fluids, while viral DNA has been detected in the saliva, tears, and urine of chronic carriers. Perinatal infection is a major route of infection in areas of the world where the disease is common (Chang, 2007). Other risk factors for developing HBV infection include working in a healthcare setting, transfusions, dialysis, sharing razors or toothbrushes with an infected person, travel in countries where it is common, and living in an institution. Tattooing and acupuncture led to a significant number of cases in the 1980s; however, this has become less common with improved sterility. The hepatitis B viruses cannot be spread by holding hands, sharing eating utensils or drinking glasses, kissing, hugging, coughing, sneezing, or breastfeeding.

Hepatitis virus is a hepadnavirus—hepa from hepatotropic (attracted to the liver) and dna because it is a DNA virus—and it has a circular genome of partially double-stranded DNA. The viruses replicate through an RNA intermediate form by reverse transcription, which in practice relates them to retroviruses. Although replication takes place in the liver, the virus spreads to the blood where viral proteins and antibodies against them are found in infected people. The hepatitis B virus is 50 to 100 times more infectious than HIV (Hiu et al., 2005)

1.1       Statement of problem

Some viral infections have been properly managed, but hepatitis virus which is likely to cause chronic long-term illness and permanent damage to the liver if not properly managed or treated, has been partially neglected in some areas or parts of the world.

The major problem is the fact that people live with the virus unknowingly until it develops into liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. This is because effective public health policy and awareness campaign for the need to know one’s hepatitis status is lacking. Are people even aware of this hepatitis virus? How can it be transmitted? What are the signs, symptoms and prevention and control?

1.2       RESEARCH QUESTIONS

• Are people  aware of this virus called hepatitis?
• What is the mode of transmission?
• Who is susceptible?  

1.3       AIM AND OBJECTIVES

Aim

To compare the prevalence of Hepatitis Virus infection among students of Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa

Objectives

• To determine the prevalence of HV surface antigen among students.
• To identify the demographic factors and other risk factors responsible for the infection.