Cultural Influences on Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Seropositivity in Primary School

Abstract

Objective: To determine the role of cultural influences, namely: circumcision, ear piercing and traditional scarification, on HbsAg seropositivity among primary school children in Nnewi. Subjects and Method: Two hundred and thirty seven randomly selected primary school children aged 5-12 years, were screened for HbsAg. Information on the subjects were collected by use of a pretested questionnaire and physical examination. Results: An HbsAg prevalence of 7.6 percent was observed. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of HbsAg between exposed children and those unexposed to the various traditional practices [P >05]. Conclusion: Culturally related exposure did not seem to be a significant mode of HBV spread in Nnewi childhood population. Key Words: Cultural influences, Hepatitis B surface antigen Nigerian Journal of Paediatrics Vol.30(4) 2003: 140-142