Prevalence of Hepatitis B Markers among youth aged 13-18 Years in public high schools within Nairobi and Machakos

Abstract

Hepatitis B is a worldwide public health concern with one third of the world having been infected. Transmission can occur vertically or horizontally. Horizontal transmission occurs through contact of body secretions with non intact skin or mucous membranes. In the developing countries it is mainly transmitted during childhood. No local studies have assessed the prevalence of hepatitis B among adolescents. The study aimed at getting a prevalence of hepatitis B among the ages of 13-18 years. Methods A cross-sectional study carried out in public high schools within Nairobi and Machakos among students aged 13-18 years. Clustering of schools and stratification of students was used to sample the population. Data was obtained using questionnaires and lab tests and analyzed using SPSS version 13. Prevalence was presented in the form of frequencies. Mean, median, and standard deviation were obtained. Analysis of risk factors was done using chi squared test and Fishers exact test. Results The prevalence of HBsAg among youth aged 13-18 years in Machakos and Nairobi public day high schools was found to be 1.8% and 3.5% respectively. Overall prevalence was 3.0%. The prevalence of antiHBs, Ig G among youth aged 13-18years in Machokos and Nairobi public day high schools was found to be 6.4% and 10.7% respectively. Overall prevalence was 9.3% Conclusions Although the ~evalence of hepatitis B obtained was low at 3.0%, the prevalence of the hepatitis B surface antibody IgG was also low at 9.3%. Recommendation Targeted adolescent vaccination would be recommended for this age group. 9