Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C Viruses and Their Associated Factors Among Military Personnel at Military Camps in Central Gondar, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Ayanaw Dinku Abebe; Muluneh Assefa; Debaka Belete; Getachew Ferede

doi:10.2147/IDR.S455562

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C Viruses and Their Associated Factors Among Military Personnel at Military Camps in Central Gondar, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Infect Drug Resist. 2024 Apr 11:17:1407-1417. doi: 10.2147/IDR.S455562. eCollection 2024.

Authors

Ayanaw Dinku Abebe¹, Muluneh Assefa¹, Debaka Belete¹, Getachew Ferede¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.

Abstract

Background: Globally, viral hepatitis is a leading cause of death and is highly prevalent in Ethiopia. Military personnel are more vulnerable to hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, and there are no data on such populations in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infections and their associated factors among military personnel in military camps in Central Gondar, Ethiopia.

Materials and methods: This institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 277 military personnel from April to August 2022 at military camps in Central Gondar, Ethiopia. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Sociodemographic and other relevant data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Five milliliters of venous blood were collected using a vacutainer tube and tested for hepatitis B surface antigens and anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were analyzed using STATA version 14 software and logistic regression models were used to determine the association between HBV/HCV infection and risk factors.

Results: Out of 277 participants, the overall seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infections was 19 (6.9%) and 9 (3.3%), respectively. The rate of HBV and HCV co-infection was 2 (0.7%). Having multiple sexual partners (p = 0.048), frequent alcohol use (p = 0.034), hospitalization (p = 0.014), and history of receiving injections from traditional practitioners (p = 0.040) were significant predictors of HBV infection. In contrast, a history of blood transfusion (p = 0.048) and sexually transmitted infections (p = 0.039) were significant risk factors for HCV infection.

Conclusion and recommendations: An intermediate prevalence of HBV and HCV infections was observed among the military personnel. Continuous screening, adherence to healthcare service guidelines, and strengthening of vaccination are crucial for preventing HBV and HCV infections.

Keywords: Ethiopia; hepatitis B virus; hepatitis C virus; military personnel.

Grants and funding

There was no funding for this study.