Serological markers and risk factors associated with Hepatitis B Virus infection among Federal Capital Territory Prison inmates, Nigeria: should we be concerned?

Abstract Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is hyper-endemic in Nigeria. Prisons are high-risk environments for the spread of blood-borne and sexually transmitted infections. Prevalence of HBV infection is disproportionately higher among individuals in correctional facilities worldwide when compared to general population. We determined the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with HBV infection among Kuje prison inmates, Nigeria. Methods: We conducted a prison facility based cross-sectional study. Interviewer administered questionnaires were used to obtain information on participants socio-demographic characteristics, HBV risk factors, previous HBV test and vaccination history. Blood samples collected from participants were analysed for HBsAg, HBsAb, HBcAb, HBeAg and HBeAb markers using rapid lateral chromatographic immunoassay kit. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis were performed. Results: A total of 271 inmates (63 convicts and 208 awaiting trial inmates) were recruited into the study as participants. The mean age of the participants was 32.7 SD±9 years. HBV sero-prevalence of 13.7%(95%CI;9.8-18.3) was found. 55.4%(95%CI;49.2-61.4) of inmates were susceptible to HBV infection, 20.7% (95%CI;16.0-26.0) had past or resolved HBV infection while 10.3%(95%CI; 7.0-14.6) had acquired natural or artificial HBV immunity. Factors found to be associated with HBV infection include age-group ≤25years (aOR=8.0;95%CI:2.9-22.3), being ever married (aOR=4.2;95%CI:1.7-10.4) and history of alcohol consumption (aOR=3.4; 95%CI:1.3-8.4). Conclusion: This study reveals a high seroprevalence of HBV infection among Kuje Prison inmates, hence the need to introduce prison-focused health intervention initiatives such as HBV screening, vaccination and care to reduce the transmission of HBV infection among inmates and ultimately the general population.