Seroprevalence of viral hepatitis B and its associated factors determined based on data from a screening campaign targeting the general population in Benin

Abstract

Introduction: hepatitis B is a global public health problem. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and its associated factors based on data from a mass screening in several localities across Benin. Method: we conducted a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study with prospective data collection. Data collection was carried out during voluntary free hepatitis B screening organized by the Rotary Club in 23 localities across Benin from the 20th to 28th July 2019. Rapid test for diagnostic orientation was used for the detection of HBs antigen. Results: a total of 9035 volunteers were included in the study. They were mostly of Benin origin (99%), with a mean age of 27 years; 51.1% of them were singles, mainly schoolchildren, pupils or students (37.9%). HBV seroprevalence was 6% (545/9035) [95%CI=5.5%-6.5%]. In univariate analysis, factors associated with HBs Ag colonization were: age, sex, marital status, education level, occupation and a history of diabetes, scarification and hepatitis C, while in multivariate analysis they were: sex, age and education level. Conclusion: HBV seroprevalence is 6% in the study population. HBV infection mainly affects male subjects over 17 years of age with secondary-level education.