Main Article Content
Risk factors for Hepatitis B antigenaemia in sickle cell anaemia
Abstract
Objective: To determine the sero-prevalence and risk factors for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in sickle cell anaemia (SCA) patients in Nigeria.
Design: Descriptive study method. Sera were screened for HBsAg, using the enzyme linked immune-absorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Personal information and risk factors associated with HBsAg were obtained, using a questionnaire.
Setting: The Adult Haematology clinic, of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria.
Subjects: One hundred and fifteen HbSS patients aged 11-40 years.
Results: The sero-prevalence of HBsAg was 20% in HbSS patients. The associated risk factors included socio-economic status class 7and 8, odds ratio 3.18,95% confidence interval (1.57-5.09) p<0.0001 and the age group 11-20years, odds ratio 2.34, confidence interval (2.06-2.09) p<0.001.
Conclusion: The high prevalence of HBsAg in SCA, increases the likelihood of an increase in morbidity and mortality. Inorder to curtail the morbidity and mortality, associated with HBsAg, routine screening for HBsAg and health education based on the epidemiology of HBsAg, is advocated.
Sahel Medical Journal Vol. 8(3) 2005: 68-70
Design: Descriptive study method. Sera were screened for HBsAg, using the enzyme linked immune-absorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Personal information and risk factors associated with HBsAg were obtained, using a questionnaire.
Setting: The Adult Haematology clinic, of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria.
Subjects: One hundred and fifteen HbSS patients aged 11-40 years.
Results: The sero-prevalence of HBsAg was 20% in HbSS patients. The associated risk factors included socio-economic status class 7and 8, odds ratio 3.18,95% confidence interval (1.57-5.09) p<0.0001 and the age group 11-20years, odds ratio 2.34, confidence interval (2.06-2.09) p<0.001.
Conclusion: The high prevalence of HBsAg in SCA, increases the likelihood of an increase in morbidity and mortality. Inorder to curtail the morbidity and mortality, associated with HBsAg, routine screening for HBsAg and health education based on the epidemiology of HBsAg, is advocated.
Sahel Medical Journal Vol. 8(3) 2005: 68-70
