Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C among Men Visiting a Selected Health Facility in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State

Abstract

As a viral infection targeting the liver, hepatitis poses significant risks, including the potential progression to cirrhosis, hepatic failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) persist as critical public health concerns, predominantly in developing regions characterized by insufficient screening programs, vaccination coverage, and disease awareness. This study determines the prevalence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C among men attending Oke Iyimi Health Facility, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria, and it identifies the rate of co-infection within the study population. A cross-sectional study design was employed. Venous blood samples (n = 138) were collected from male participants. Plasma samples were analyzed using Promed® rapid diagnostic test kits for the detection of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV). Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 26. Results showed that 12 participants (8.7%) tested positive for HBV, while 1 participant (0.7%) tested positive for HCV. The only HCV positive patient was also HBV-positive, indicating one case of HBV/HCV co-infection. The highest HBV positivity occurred among participants aged 31–40 years (15.4%), followed by 21–30 years (13.5%) and 51–60 years (6.3%). The HCV infection (0.7%) was observed in the 21–30 years age group. Based on these findings, it is recommended that routine screening for viral hepatitis be intensified at the community and primary healthcare levels. Public health education, vaccination programs, and awareness campaigns should also be strengthened to promote early detection, prevention, and control of Hepatitis B and C infections among men.