PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS B IN CHEUBEN COMMUNITY BUKURU JOS SOUTH LGA
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PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS B IN CHEUBEN COMMUNITY BUKURU JOS SOUTH LGA
Abstract
Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major public health challenge globally and is highly endemic in Nigeria. Chronic HBV infection can lead to severe complications such as liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and premature death. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, the burden of the disease remains high in many Nigerian communities, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. Nigeria’s HBV prevalence has been reported to range between 8% and 12% in several population-based studies, indicating a significant public health concern.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B virus infection among residents of Cheuben Community, Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among residents of Cheuben Community. Participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Sociodemographic information and possible risk factors for HBV infection were collected using structured questionnaires. Blood samples were obtained from consenting participants and screened for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using a rapid diagnostic test kit. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with results presented in tables and percentages. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: Out of the total participants screened, a proportion tested positive for HBsAg, indicating the presence of Hepatitis B infection within the community. The prevalence varied across age groups and gender categories, with higher rates observed among sexually active adults. Factors such as previous blood transfusion, multiple sexual partners, history of scarification, and poor awareness of HBV were identified as possible contributors to infection.
Conclusion: The study revealed that Hepatitis B infection remains prevalent in Cheuben Community, Bukuru, Jos South LGA. The findings underscore the need for intensified public health education, routine screening, vaccination campaigns, and early treatment interventions to reduce the transmission and burden of HBV in the community. Strengthening community-based awareness programs and improving access to vaccination services are essential for effective prevention and control of Hepatitis B infection.
Keywords: Hepatitis B Virus, HBsAg, prevalence, Cheuben Community, Bukuru, Jos South LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Hepatitis B is a serious viral infection caused by the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), which primarily attacks the liver and may result in both acute and chronic liver diseases. The disease remains one of the most significant global public health concerns due to its high infectivity, widespread distribution, and severe health consequences. Chronic Hepatitis B infection can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma, making it a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), millions of people are living with chronic HBV infection, particularly in developing countries where access to vaccination and healthcare services remains inadequate. Nigeria is among the countries classified as highly endemic for Hepatitis B infection, with prevalence rates consistently exceeding the threshold of 8% used to define high endemicity.
Hepatitis B virus is transmitted through contact with infected blood and body fluids. Common routes of transmission include unsafe injections, blood transfusion with unscreened blood, sexual contact with infected persons, sharing of sharp objects, and mother-to-child transmission during childbirth. The virus is highly infectious and can survive outside the human body for several days, thereby increasing the likelihood of transmission in communities where awareness and preventive measures are limited (Olakunde et al., 2025).
The burden of Hepatitis B is particularly high in sub-Saharan Africa, where healthcare infrastructure challenges, poor vaccination coverage, and limited public awareness contribute to sustained transmission. Studies have shown that the prevalence of Hepatitis B infection in Nigeria ranges from approximately 5% to over 13%, depending on the population and geographical location studied. A national survey reported a prevalence rate of 12.2% among apparently healthy Nigerians, indicating that a significant proportion of the population is infected or has been exposed to the virus.
In Nigeria, Hepatitis B remains a neglected public health issue despite the availability of effective vaccines. Although Hepatitis B vaccination has been incorporated into the national immunization programme, vaccine uptake remains suboptimal in many communities. Factors such as poverty, inadequate health education, cultural practices, poor healthcare access, and low awareness contribute significantly to the persistence of the disease. Furthermore, studies have identified practices such as traditional circumcision, sharing of sharp instruments, unsafe dental procedures, and communal use of personal items as important risk factors for HBV transmission.
Bukuru, located in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, is a rapidly growing urban and semi-urban settlement characterized by diverse ethnic groups, commercial activities, and varying socioeconomic conditions. Like many communities in Nigeria, residents may be exposed to risk factors that facilitate the transmission of Hepatitis B. However, limited epidemiological data exist regarding the prevalence of HBV infection among residents of Cheuben Community in Bukuru. Without adequate information on disease prevalence, public health authorities may find it difficult to design effective prevention and control strategies.
The determination of the prevalence of Hepatitis B in Cheuben Community is therefore important for understanding the magnitude of the disease burden, identifying vulnerable groups, and providing evidence-based recommendations for intervention programmes. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to local health planning and strengthen efforts aimed at reducing HBV transmission and improving community health outcomes.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Hepatitis B infection continues to pose a significant public health challenge in Nigeria despite advances in medical science and the availability of effective vaccines. The disease often progresses silently, with many infected individuals remaining asymptomatic for years while unknowingly transmitting the virus to others. This situation contributes to the persistence of HBV infection within communities and increases the risk of long-term liver complications.
Several studies conducted across Nigeria have reported high prevalence rates of Hepatitis B infection among different population groups, indicating that the disease remains endemic within the country. However, there is inadequate data regarding the prevalence of HBV infection in Cheuben Community, Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area. The absence of local epidemiological information limits the ability of healthcare planners and policymakers to implement targeted interventions and allocate resources effectively.
Furthermore, poor awareness, low vaccination coverage, unsafe cultural practices, inadequate screening services, and limited access to healthcare facilities may contribute to the continued transmission of HBV within the community. Consequently, there is a need to investigate the prevalence of Hepatitis B infection among residents of Cheuben Community to provide current data that can guide preventive and control measures.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
General Objective
To determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B among residents of Cheuben Community, Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area.
Specific Objectives
The study seeks to:
Determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B infection among residents of Cheuben Community.
Identify the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents.
Examine the risk factors associated with Hepatitis B infection in the community.
Assess the level of awareness and knowledge of Hepatitis B among residents.
Determine the relationship between selected risk factors and Hepatitis B infection.
1.4 Research Questions
The following research questions will guide the study:
What is the prevalence of Hepatitis B infection among residents of Cheuben Community?
What are the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents?
What risk factors are associated with Hepatitis B infection in the community?
What is the level of awareness of Hepatitis B among residents?
Is there a significant relationship between identified risk factors and Hepatitis B infection?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
H0: There is no significant relationship between identified risk factors and the prevalence of Hepatitis B infection among residents of Cheuben Community.
H1: There is a significant relationship between identified risk factors and the prevalence of Hepatitis B infection among residents of Cheuben Community.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The findings of this study will be beneficial to various stakeholders.
Healthcare professionals will gain valuable information regarding the burden of Hepatitis B infection in Cheuben Community, enabling them to design effective prevention and treatment programmes.
Public health authorities will utilize the findings in planning awareness campaigns, vaccination programmes, and screening interventions targeted at high-risk populations.
Community members will benefit through increased awareness of Hepatitis B transmission, prevention, and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers and students will find the study useful as a reference material for future studies related to Hepatitis B epidemiology and public health interventions.
The study will also contribute to the existing body of knowledge on Hepatitis B prevalence in Nigeria and provide baseline data for future epidemiological investigations.
1.7 Scope of the Study
This study focuses on the prevalence of Hepatitis B among residents of Cheuben Community in Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. The study will examine the prevalence of HBV infection, demographic characteristics of respondents, awareness levels, and risk factors associated with infection. The study will be limited to residents who consent to participate during the period of data collection.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
Hepatitis B: A viral infection caused by the Hepatitis B Virus that affects the liver and can result in acute or chronic disease.
Prevalence: The proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease at a particular time.
HBV: Hepatitis B Virus, the causative agent of Hepatitis B infection.
Community: A group of people living within a defined geographical area and sharing common social and environmental characteristics.
Risk Factors: Conditions, behaviours, or exposures that increase the likelihood of developing a disease.
Awareness: Knowledge and understanding of Hepatitis B infection, its causes, transmission, prevention, and treatment.
Screening: The process of testing individuals for the presence of Hepatitis B infection, regardless of symptoms.
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