Routine Screening for Hepatitis among Patients with Psychotic Illness: Findings from an Exploratory Study in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of hepatitis B & C is increasing globally, giving rise to a significant increase in morbidity and mortality. Individuals with psychotic disorders are particularly at risk of contracting hepatitis B & C due to lifestyle factors. Routine hepatitis screening among this population is advocated. This study reports on the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B & C amongst individuals with psychotic disorders in Nigeria and the utility of a screening program for hepatitis in an asymptomatic population.
Methods: A cross-sectional study of patients (n=96) with a psychotic disorder, presenting for the first time to a regional psychiatric facility. We determined sero-positivity to HBV and HCV using Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBSag) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) test strips.
Results: The sero-prevalence of hepatitis B and C were 3.1% and 4.2% respectively. All sero-positive respondents were female and none was aware of her positive status. Only 3.1% had a history of blood transfusion. There was no significant difference in terms of Hepatitis B & C  infection and previous blood transfusion (p=0.752, 0.714), use of psychoactive substance (p=0.247, 0.817) and diagnostic group (p=0.309, 0.570).
Conclusion: The prevalence of hepatitis B & C was low in the sample studied. Though exploratory, our findings do not currently support a routine Hepatitis B & C screening in individuals with psychotic disorders.

Key words: sero-prevalence, Hepatitis B & C, severe mental illness