Seroprevalence and awareness of hepatitis B infection among the students of Sindh university, Jamshoro.

Abstract Background: Approximately 500 million people are living with chronic viral hepatitis i.e. 1 in every 12 individuals is at risk of developing hepatitis. Viral hepatitis is among the top 10 infectious disease killers and the leading cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and to assess the knowledge of associated risk factors among students. Methodology: The cross-sectional study continued for one year from January to December 2016 at University of Sindh, Jamshoro. Around 1658 undergraduate students between the age of 20 to 25 years were included in the study. Subjects demographic details, knowledge, awareness regarding the risk factors were inquired through a structured questionnaire. HBV was screened using Lateral-flow immunochromatographic assay. Recorded data was analyzed using SPSS Version 20. Result: Out of 1658 students enrolled in the study, HBV was observed in 87(5.24%), the ratio of male infected students 78 (89%) was greater than female infected students 09(10%). Major reason behind increased exposure and silent incidence of this infectious disease was unawareness, 1110 (66.94%) students were unaware of the HBV risk factors. While roadside shaving among males and piercing among females were the major practices that further contribute to the HBV incidence rate. Conclusion: Our results indicate that unawareness is the major factor precipitating HBV infection risk, further a few students aware of the risk were observed doing activities that contribute to disease incidence. Link: http://aeirc-edu.com/ojs14/index.php/IJEHSR/article/view/426/54