Prevalence of Hepatitis B viral infection and associated factors among adults in Moyo district, North-Western Uganda

Background Hepatitis B viral infection is a public health problem and estimates show that about 30% of the world’s population is infected with the virus, with about 350 to 400 million of them remaining chronically infected. Northern Uganda has the highest prevalence of HBV in Uganda. In this study, we sought to establish factors influencing the prevalence of Hepatitis B viral infection among adults in Moyo district, North-Western Uganda. Methods We used a descriptive cross-sectional study where quantitative data collection methods and analysis was employed. Self-reported HBV infection by respondents who had test result forms diagnosed with HBV within the last one year was reviewed by the researchers to confirm whether the respondent was negative or positive with Hepatitis B. 384 samples were determined using Cochran (1963:75) and a multi-stage sampling technique was used. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were done using SPSS (20.0). Results Out of the 384 respondents interviewed, 29 (7.6%, 95%CI: 5.1-10.7) had HBV. Factors influencing the prevalence of HBV were; level of education (p=0.047*), ever having had STIs (aOR=18.090, 95%CI=5.699-57.426, p=0.000*), Health facilities have equipment for screening HEP B viral infection ANC (aOR=10.762, 95%CI=1.316-88.027, p=0.027*) were statically significant in influencing the prevalence of HBV, while the number of sexual partners ever had (p=0.984) was not statistically significant in influencing the prevalence of Hepatitis B viral infection. Conclusion We found a high prevalence of HBV among adults in Moyo district in North-Western Uganda compared to the national prevalence. Key influences of HBV prevalence included education level, ever being infected with any other STIs (HIV, Syphilis, gonorrhoea), multiple sexual partners and presence of HBV screening equipment at the health facilities. Need for more emphasis on HBV childhood immunization, screening, vaccination of adults, other preventive measures and treatment of those already infected.