Sero-prevalence of hepatitis B and C co-infections among suspected intravenous drug users attending Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Maiduguri.

Abstract

Hepatitis infection among suspected Intravenous Drug Users (IDU), continue to be on the rise with frequent complications of more than 10 to 20 times as observed in the general population; this has been attributed to high risk behavior among IDU, tattooing with non-sterile equipments and Syringes. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of Hepatitis B and C co-infections among suspected IDU attending Neuro-psychiatric Hospital in Maiduguri. A total of 150 samples were tested with the overall prevalence rate of 5.3% and 1.3% for hepatitis B and C respectively. The prevalence among male (n = 142) was 5.6% for hepatitis B and 1.4% for hepatitis C while among female (n=8) 0.0% was obtained for both hepatitis B and C. A higher prevalence rate of 14.2% were observed for both hepatitis B and C among age group of (26 – 30 years). Similarly, sero-prevaelence distribution of 9.4% and 2.4% for hepatitis B and C respectively were among married individuals. While no case of hepatitis B and C were detected among single individuals. Government should create awareness on the prevention of these viruses especially in correctional facilities and psychiatric hospitals.