Prevalence and associated factors of hepatitis B virus among patients attending an STI health facility in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Objectives: The study aimed at determining the distribution of HBV infection, immunity status and associated factors among STI clinic attendees in Kenya.

Study design: The study was a cross sectional descriptive study that followed a quantitative approach. It was conducted from April to June 2014. Questionnaires were used to collect data and from the consenting participants blood was drawn and screened for HBsAg, anti- HBV and anti-HBc serology

Setting: The study was carried out at the STI clinic -specialized treatment Centre in Nairobi.

Subjects: Systematic random sampling was used to enroll the subjects.200 consenting STI attendees aging between the ages of 18 to 60 years were recruited.

Results: The mean age of the study subjects was 32.77 years (SD=8.638) and a median of 31 years. Among the 200 samples analyzed, the prevalence rates of HBsAg and anti- HBV were found to be 19/200 (9.5%) and 53/200 (26.5%) respectively. The major associated factors of hepatitis B transmission that were found to statistically significant among the study population were unprotected sex (p -value 0.004*<0.05), number of sexual partners (p-value 0.003<0.05) and those with genital ulcers (p-value <0.001). Majority of the study subjects had immunity from natural infection 53/200 (26.5%).

Conclusion: Sexual mode of transmission of hepatitis B was found to be associated with HBV infection among the STI attendees in Kenya. HBV is a vaccine preventable infection and the results highlight the importance of HBV vaccination among STI clinic visiting patients and their clients/partners.