Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Seroprevalence among Patients Screened in Selected Rural Nigerian Health Facilities: A Five-Year Retrospective Laboratory Review
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Abstract
Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly in rural communities where access to screening and vaccination is limited.
Objective: To determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among patients screened in selected rural health facilities in Nigeria through a five-year retrospective review (2020–2024).
Methods: A retrospective review of laboratory records was conducted among 1,104 patients screened for HBsAg between January 2020 and December 2024 in selected rural health facilities in Ebonyi and Benue States. Data on age, sex, marital status, and educational level were extracted and analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression in SPSS.
Results: The overall HBsAg seroprevalence was 12.8%. Prevalence was slightly higher among males than females (13.2% vs. 12.1%), although the difference was not statistically significant (χ² = 0.16, p = 0.69). Age was significantly associated with HBsAg positivity (χ² = 57.12, p < 0.001), with the highest prevalence among individuals aged 16–25 years (17.3%). Lower educational attainment was also significantly associated with HBsAg positivity (χ² = 42.39, p < 0.001), whereas marital status showed no significant association (p = 0.35). Logistic regression identified age and educational level as significant predictors of HBsAg positivity.
Conclusion: HBV remains highly endemic in rural Nigeria, particularly among young adults and individuals with lower educational attainment. Strengthening routine screening, vaccination, and community-based health education is essential to reduce HBV transmission and support achievement of the WHO 2030 hepatitis elimination targets.
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