Dental caries, tobacco usage and associated risk factor of dental caries in patients visiting a government hospital in Western, Nepal

BACKGROUND

This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of dental caries, tobacco usage, and associated risk factors for dental caries in patients who visited a government hospital in Western, Nepal.

METHODS

This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2022. Patients above 18 years visiting the dental OPD of a government hospital, and who had provided informed consent were enrolled in the study using a convenience sampling technique. As the study also involved an illiterate population, in that case, informed consent was obtained from their respective legal guardian as well. A pretested standardized, close-ended questionnaire was administered by researchers to gather information regarding the associated risk factors and oral hygiene practices. Clinical examination was done for dental caries according to the criteria by the World Health Organization (WHO) using the "DMFT" index (WHO modification 1987). Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was done and the odds ratio and p-value was calculated. For all tests, statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 219 participants completed the study with a mean age of 31.73 ± 12.46. The prevalence of dental caries and tobacco was found to be 80.36% and 5.02% respectively. Participants without health insurance had 2.35 times higher odds of dental caries (95% CI: 1.03-5.36). Not rinsing the mouth after eating sweets was associated with 3.07 times higher odds of dental caries (95% CI: 1.31-7.18). Those who hadn't visited a dentist in the past 12 months had lower odds (0.42; 95% CI: 0.18-0.94). Eating fresh fruit daily showed statistically higher odds (2.70; 95% CI: 1.04-6.99) of dental caries. Non-tobacco users had higher odds (14.19; 2.55-78.99) of dental caries.

CONCLUSION

Dental caries is highly prevalent, while tobacco usage is relatively low. Factors associated with dental caries included lack of health insurance coverage, consumption of fruits once daily, recent dental visits within the past year, not rinsing the mouth with water after consuming sweets, and non-tobacco users.

Unintended pregnancy and its associated factors among women with disabilities in central Sidama National Regional State, Ethiopia: a multilevel analysis

BACKGROUND

Unintended pregnancy is one of the most common reproductive health problems. The problem makes women with disabilities doubly burdened by their disabilities. The previous evidences are inconsistent and do not address all women with disabilities. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of unintended pregnancy and its associated risk factors among women with disabilities in Dale and Wonsho districts and Yirgalem city administration central Sidama National Regional State, Ethiopia.

METHODS

A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 355 randomly selected women with disabilities living in the selected districts from June 20 to July 15, 2022. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. A multilevel logistic regression analysis model was employed to identify factors associated with an unintended pregnancy. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to report the measures of associations.

RESULTS

In this study, the prevalence of unintended pregnancy among women with disabilities was 65.6% (95% CI: 60.4, 70.6). After adjusting for potential confounding variables, middle economic status (AOR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.02, 4.20), giving birth (AOR = 2.20; 95% CI: 1.21, 3.99), extremity paralysis types of disability (AOR = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.12, 0.57), living in urban residences (AOR = 0.22; 95% CI: 0.12, 0.40) and alcohol using (AOR = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.74) were risk factors with unintended pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

Unintended pregnancy among women with disabilities is remarkably high in central Sidama National Regional State, Ethiopia. Economic status, giving birth, types of disability, residence, and alcohol use were factors associated with an unintended pregnancy. As a result, economic empowerment, strengthening education and information about unintended pregnancy and its prevention strategies in rural settings are vital.

Prevalence of dysmenorrhea and associated risk factors among university students in Zimbabwe

BACKGROUND

Dysmenorrhea is an often incapacitating condition that is characterized by painful menstruation and general body malaise. In Zimbabwe, this condition is understudied, and its associated risk factors are poorly understood.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of dysmenorrhea among female students at Midlands State University in Zimbabwe.

DESIGN

This is a cross-sectional study that employed simple random sampling technique to obtain data from 382 students using pretested and self-administered questionnaires.

METHODS

Data were analyzed using STATA version 16. Associations between dysmenorrhea, menstrual, sociodemographic, and lifestyle characteristics were measured using chi-square test and logistic regression model.

RESULTS

The prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 75.9%, with 28.6% of sufferers describing their pain as severe. Dysmenorrhea significantly affected the school/daily activities of respondents (χ2 = 18.22, p < 0.001). Family history (χ2 = 4.28, p = 0.04), age of menarche (χ2 = 14.8, p < 0.001), regularity of menstrual cycle (χ2 = 18.1, p < 0.001), and parity (χ2 = 8.8, p = 0.03) were associated with the prevalence of dysmenorrhea. The risk of developing dysmenorrhea almost doubled with positive family history (prevalence odds ratio = 1.68 (95% confidence interval: 1.03 to 2.75, p = 0.040)); increased with decrease in age of menarche (prevalence odds ratio = 0.19 (95% confidence interval: 0.10 to 0.45, p < 0.001)) and decreased with increase in parity (prevalence odds ratio = 0.15 (95% confidence interval: 0.03 to 0.82, p = 0.029)). However, the risk was low among those with irregular menstrual cycles (prevalence odds ratio = 0.14 (95% confidence interval: 0.10 to 0.33, p < 0.001)). Physical exercise, smoking, alcohol, and coffee consumption were not associated with the prevalence of dysmenorrhea (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Dysmenorrhea is common among female students at Midlands State University, and it significantly affects their academic activities. Family history, regular menstrual cycle, nulliparity, and lower age of menarche were risk factors. More awareness is recommended including studies on impact and management strategies.

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of peste des petits ruminants among ovine and caprine in selected districts of Afar region, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

A Peste des petits ruminant is an acute, highly contagious and economically important transboundary viral disease of small ruminants. Despite the fact that food and agriculture organization and world organization for animal health plan to eradicate the disease by 2030, some studies indicated an increasing seropositivity of PPR infection in sheep and goats in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was employed to estimate the seroprevalence of PPR and to assess risk factors during the study period, February to April, 2020. Following purposive selection of the study districts, simple random sampling technique was employed to select individual animal during sample collection. A total of 384 serum samples were collected from apparently healthy sheep and goats. Competitive Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay was used to detect the presence of antibodies against PPR at national veterinary institute. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's chi-square (X²) and logistic regression analysis were used is this study.

RESULTS

The overall animal level seroprevalence of PPR virus was found to be 60.15% (n = 231/384) and species level prevalence rate was found to be 38.18% (n = 42) in sheep and 68.98% (n = 189) in goats in the study areas. Among the associated risk factors considered; species, sex, age and herd sizes were significantly associated (P < 0.05) with the disease occurrence. Among the associated risk factors considered in this study, species, sex, age and herd size were found to be statistically associated with the seropositivity of PPR infection.

CONCLUSION

The present study finding revealed that a higher seroprevalence of PPR virus infection and this confirms peste des petits ruminant virus is circulating in Afar region. Further studies should be carried out on the entire region to determine PPR seroprevalence and to develop appropriate control and eradication strategies of PPR disease.

The prevalence of diabetes and associated risk factors among adult population in a Turkish population (Trabzon city)

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes mellitus (DM) and prediabetes, and to evaluate the associated risk factors in a sample of adult Turkish population.

METHODS

A total of 4000 eligible study subjects, aged 20 years or older, chosen by multistage sampling on a field were considered. Of those 3721 subjects (2139 women and 1582 men) participated in the study.

RESULTS

The prevalence of prediabetes and DM were found to be as 6.4% and 10.4% (3.6% being newly diagnosed by this study), respectively. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, advanced age (OR:26.7, p < 0.0005 in the group 70 years and over), marriage (OR:2.05, p = 0.047), housewives (OR:1.34, p = 0.003), family history of diabetes (OR:2.84, p < 0.0005), overweight (OR:1.61, p = 0.026), obesity (OR:2.25, p < 0.0005), hypertension (OR:1.42, p = 0.007) and dyslipidemia (OR:1.38, p = 0.028) were independent risk factors for being diabetic.

CONCLUSIONS

DM is an important health problem in the adult population of Trabzon city. Newly diagnosed diabetic patients who were unaware of their status are at high risk. To control DM and associated risk factors, effective public health education and taking urgent steps are needed.

Epidemiology and genetic characteristics of tick-borne bacteria in dromedary camels of the world

This review presents updated knowledge on the main tick-borne bacteria infecting one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) around the world. Camels are increasingly the subject of several scientific investigations, showing that they are receptive and carriers of several zoonotic bacteria. An appraisal is also given of the relative public health importance of these bacterial infections according to One Health concept. Microscopic, serologic and molecular findings are appropriately generated in order to exploit epidemiological data, and phylogeographic specificities associated to each vector-borne bacterium. Indeed, camels and their ticks harbour similar species and genotypes of pathogenic bacteria commonly identified in other animals, e.g., Anaplasma spp.,Ehrlichia spp., Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., Coxiella burnetii, Bartonella spp. and hemotrophic mycoplasmas. This evidence suggests an epidemiological role of camels in the spread of these pathogens in their natural habitats. However, these infections are commonly asymptomatic in camels resulting in underestimation of the impact of these infections. Furthermore, camels have recently been proven to have their own specific unclassified strains, such as Candidatus Anaplasma camelii and Candidatus Bartonella camelii, implying that possible interactions may lead to the emergence of pathogenic and zoonotic bacteria. In camel-rearing areas of the world, spatial and temporal spread of these infections, due to climatic and ecological changes and human activities such as development projects and urbanization, is expected. Hence the data presented herein provides a basis for strategic frameworks for the research and the development of novel diagnosis and control strategies worldwide, which are needed to protect camels, other livestock, and people in contact with dromedaries from threats that arthropod-borne pathogens can pose.

Prevalence of cardiometabolic risks and associated factors in a geriatric population in Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVES

Cardiometabolic risks (CMRs) are factors associated with the possibility of developing vascular events and/or diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of CMRs and associated factors among a Saudi geriatric population in Al Madinah Al Munawarah.

METHODS

An epidemiologic, cross-sectional, community-based study included freely living persons ≥65 y of age (N = 600). Sociodemographic characteristics and body mass index (BMI) were collected. Fasting blood samples (5 mL) were drawn for the determination of selected biochemical markers, including glycemic status, lipid profile, C-reactive protein (CRP), serum albumin, hemoglobin level, serum iron, and for the calculation of Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP). Blood tests were carried out by an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay using the Cobas-e 411 immunoassay analyzer and Siemens Dimension XP.

RESULTS

Women (72%) and men (82.7%) had diabetes as shown by their high mean glycated hemoglobin percent (women 7.90 [2.95]; men 8.4 [1.64]; P < 0.001). Older adults with diabetes had dyslipidemia, were overweight (women only), had hypoalbuminemia, elevated CRP, and increased AIP. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was higher among men (44%) than women (25%). More women suffered from hypoalbuminemia (54%) than men (40.7%). Low serum iron levels were more prevalent among men than women (54 versus 40.7%). More men (56.6%) than women (33.4%) had CRP levels of >5 mg/L. Older adults had similar prevalence of dyslipidemia Men had a higher prevalence of poor high-density lipoprotein levels compared with their counterparts (9.3% versus 13%). Multiple linear regression models showed that dyslipidemia, BMI, serum albumin (women only), fasting glucose levels, CRP, and AIP were significantly elevated with increasing age among older adults.

CONCLUSION

The Saudi geriatric population is at increased CMR as noted by their high prevalence of diabetes, dyslipidemia, elevated CRP, hypoalbuminemia, anemia, overweight/obesity, and high AIP.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal helminthic infections in children from Lorestan province, Western Iran

BACKGROUND

Intestinal helminthic infections are among the most important global socioeconomic and health problems. This study aimed to estimate the frequency of intestinal parasites in 366 children aged 2 to 15 years referred to the main pediatric health center of Lorestan Province, Iran.

METHODS

Microscopic analysis was performed on 366 stool samples. We applied direct smear, scotch tape, and formol-ether methods. Moreover, a questionnaire was filled in by parents or guardians of the children.

RESULTS

The results showed that 36 children (9.8%) were infected with at least one or more intestinal parasites. The most prevalent parasites were Enterobius vermicularis (6.8%), Hymenolepis nana (1.9%), and Ascaris lumbricoides (0.55%), in the order of their appearance. Statistical analysis showed that several risk factors were significantly associated with the prevalence intestinal helminthic parasites, including male sex (OR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.2-6.2; p < 0.05), residing in rural regions (OR = 4.2; 95% CI: 2.1-10.6; p < 0.001), no handwashing habit before eating (OR = 5.2; 95% CI: 2.2-12.5; p < 0.001), and consuming raw or unwashed vegetables and fruits (OR = 4.8; 95% CI: 2.3-11.2; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The present study showed a high overall frequency of intestinal helminthic infections among the children in Lorestan province, Iran. The results of the risk factor analysis suggest that improving environmental hygiene and health education would be important for effective control of intestinal parasitic infections.

Risk factors of tubal infertility in a tertiary hospital in a low-resource setting: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Infertility is the inability to sustain a pregnancy in a woman with regular (2-3 times per week) unprotected sexual intercourse for a period of 1 year. This is a major public health problem that remains under-recognised in Cameroon and most countries in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed at identifying the risk factors associated with tubal infertility in a tertiary hospital in Douala, Cameroon.

METHODS

We conducted a case-control study at the Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Radiology Departments of the Douala Referral Hospital from October 1, 2016, to July 30, 2017. We recruited 77 women with tubal infertility diagnosed using hysterosalpingography and 154 unmatched pregnant women served as controls. Data on socio-demographic, reproductive and sexual health, and radiologic assessments were collected using a pretested questionnaire. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 24.0. Logistic regression models were fitted to identify demographic, reproductive health factors, surgical, medical and toxicological factors associated with tubal infertility. The adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and their 95% confidence interval were interpreted. Statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Sixty-one per cent of respondents had secondary infertility. Following multivariate logistic regression analysis, respondents who were housewives (AOR 10.7; 95% CI: 1.68-8.41, p = 0.012), self-employed (AOR 17.1; 95% CI: 2.52-115.8, p = 0.004), with a history of Chlamydia trachomatis infection (AOR 17.1; 95% CI: 3.4-85.5, p = 0.001), with Mycoplasma infection (AOR 5.1; 95% CI: 1.19-22.02, p = 0.03), with ovarian cyst (AOR 20.5; 95% CI: 2.5-168.7, p = 0.005), with uterine fibroid (AOR 62.4; 95% CI: 4.8-803.2, p = 0.002), have undergone pelvic surgery (AOR 2.3; 95% CI: 1.0-5.5, p = 0.05), have undergone other surgeries (AOR 49.8; 95% CI: 6.2-400, p = 0.000), diabetic patients (AOR 10.5; 95% CI 1.0-113.4, p = 0.05) and those with chronic pelvic pain (AOR 7.3; 95% CI: 3.2-17.1, p = 0.000) were significantly associated with tubal infertility while the young aged from 15 to 25 (AOR 0.07; 95% CI: 0.01-0.67, 0.021), those in monogamous marriages (AOR 0.05; 95% CI: 0.003-1.02, p = 0.05), as well as those with a history of barrier contraceptive methods (condom) (AOR 0.17; 95% CI: 0.03-1.1, p = 0.06) were less likely to have tubal infertility.

CONCLUSION

The following factors were independently associated with tubal infertility: being a housewife, self-employed, history of Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma infection, and uterine fibroid. Furthermore, a history of pelvic surgery and other surgeries, diabetes mellitus, and chronic pelvic pain were also associated with tubal infertility. Young age, persons in monogamous marriages and users of barrier methods of contraception (condom) were less likely to have tubal infertility. Identification of these factors will be a target of intervention to avoid tubal infertility.

Stillbirth rates and associated risk factors at the Buea and Limbe regional hospitals, Cameroon: a case-control study

Background

Stillbirths bring grief to both mother and family but have been underreported in Cameroon. We aimed at determining the stillbirth rates and associated risk factors in the Buea Regional Hospital (BRH) and the Limbe Regional Hospital (LRH), Cameroon.

Materials and methods

This was a hospital-based unmatched case-control study in which files of women with stillbirth (cases) were analysed. A woman with a live birth in the same maternity during the same period served as a control. Data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. The stillbirth rate was the number of stillbirths per thousand births. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent factors associated with stillbirth.

Results

Stillbirth rates at the BRH and LRH were 33.72 and 36.45 per 1000 live births. The factors that were independently associated with stillbirth were: referral status (AOR 3.95; 95% CI: 1.85–6.58, p = 0.000), late booking visit - after 12 weeks (AOR 13.64; 95% CI: 1.49–124.83, p = 0.021), preeclampsia (AOR 3.21; 95% CI: 1.23–8.35, p = 0.01), placental abruption (AOR 21.46; 95% CI: 2.36–194.77, p = 0.006), moderate anaemia (AOR 2.04; 95% CI: 1.09–3.83, p = 0.03), labour dystocia (AOR 5.37; 95% CI: 1.77–15.92, p = 0.003), low birth weight (AOR 5.27; 95% CI: 1.48–3.53, p = 0.000), and preterm delivery (AOR 2.81; 95% CI: 1.48–3.35, p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Stillbirth rates are high in both health facilities. Risk factors of stillbirths include referral from another health facility, anaemia, preeclampsia and late booking visit, placental abruption, labour dystocia, preterm birth, and low birth weight. Term, post-term and macrosomia were protective of stillbirth. We recommend electronic data storage in hospitals in Cameroon.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of Toxocara infection in dogs in northern and southern Egypt

Toxocariasis is a zoonotic disease with a worldwide distribution caused by the parasitic roundworms, Toxocara canis, commonly found in the intestine of dogs. Identification of frequent shedders for Toxocara canis eggs and the associated risk factors overwhelmingly remain an important cornerstone of conducting evidence-based deworming regimens to reduce the environmental contamination with the parasite eggs. The present study was undertaken to prevalence rate of shedding of Toxocara canis eggs in dogs in Egypt combined with the possible risk factors naturally associated with the infection A total number of 296 fecal samples of dogs were collected in the period from July 2016 to June 2017 and properly screened for the presence of possible infection with an. Importantly, The overall prevalence of Toxocara canis eggs was 53.04% whereas, seasonal dynamics, dog breeds, the irregular anthelmintic use, defecation sites, and unconfined management of dogs were among the risk factors with a significant association with Toxocara canis infection. Taken together, our present data reveal the high overall prevalence of Toxocara canis eggs shedding in in several Egyptian provinces and provide novel information that should pay our attention of the local authorities combined with the public engagement towards implementation of effective control strategies against this disease of zoonotic importance.

Notification and counselling of hepatitis positive blood donors, their immediate emotional response, contact-testing and their follow-up: Study from a tertiary care hospital!

INTRODUCTION

Post-donation counselling informs donors of unusual test results. Timely notification and counselling regarding their Transfusion Transmitted Infection (TTI) status is necessary for early clinical intervention in the donor and reducing risk of transmission. We share our experience with respect to Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) positive donors who were counselled and followed-up for clinical outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

It was prospective 2-year study in TTI positive blood donors. Confirmed positive HBV/ HCV donors were notified to attend the donor-clinic or to visit local hepatologist for further management. At donor clinic, donor's immediate emotional response was observed; donors were offered contact-testing, associated risk factors were noted, counselled, referred to hepatologist, treated and followed-up for clinical outcome.

RESULTS

Of 481 donors (0.91%) confirmed positives, 351 were contacted telephonically; 280 promised to attend donor clinic and 71 were referred to their local hepatologist. 145 donors attended the donor clinic, eventually. Most common immediate emotional response noted were 'feeling of fear' (55.2%) and 'disbelief' (35.2%). Most common associated risk factor was history of medical treatment/ injections without knowledge of sterilisation. Five donors availed contact testing and four (spouses in all four cases) came out positive. Of 98 donors contacted post-counselling; 89 went to hepatologist. No medication was advised to seven donors (low viral load), 59 donors completed treatment course and 23 donors were undergoing treatment at time of follow-up. Nine donors opted for alternative treatment or "no treatment".

CONCLUSION

Donor-clinic proved beneficial to substantial number of donors and their families.

Anaplasma spp. in North Africa: A review on molecular epidemiology, associated risk factors and genetic characteristics

The genus Anaplasma belonging to the Anaplasmataceae family (order Rickettsiales) comprises obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacteria of veterinary and public health importance. Six species and five types of strains genetically related are currently assigned to the genus Anaplasma including Anaplasma marginale, A. centrale, A. bovis, A. phagocytophilum, A. ovis and A. platys as classified species, and "A. capra", A. odocolei sp. nov., A. phagocytophilum-like 1 (Anaplasma sp.-Japan), A. phagocytophilum-like 2 (Anaplasma sp.-China) and A. platys-like (also named Candidatus Anaplasma camelii) as unclassified strains. Most of these Anaplasma species and strains have been molecularly identified in several animal and/or tick species in the north of Africa. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge about molecular epidemiology, associated risk factors and genetic diversity of Anaplasma species and related strains infecting animals and/or their incriminated tick vectors in North Africa. All these data should be considered when establishing of common management and control programs for anaplasmosis infecting humans and different animal species in North African countries.

Frequency of hypovitaminosis D and its associated risk factors in newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis patients

Objective:

To find out the frequency of hypovitaminosis D and its associated risk factors in newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis patients prior to administration of standard anti tuberculosis therapy.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was carried out in Ojha Institute of Chest Diseases-DUHS. After approval from BASR and following written informed consent eighty newly diagnosed, as per WHO criteria, tuberculosis patients were enrolled. Prior to the initiation of anti tuberculosis therapy, the serum vitamin D level was determined by 25-OH Vitamin D kit using the chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) method. A cut off value of >30 ng/mL of serum vitamin D was taken as normal whereas a range between 10-30 ng/mL and <10 ng/mL were considered insufficient and deficient respectively. Frequency of socio-demographic associated risk factors of hypovitaminosis D was also determined.

Results:

Out of eighty newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients 33 (41.25%) were males and 47(58.75%) were females with their ages ranging from 18-50 years. 54 patients (26 male and 28 female patients) were smokers. BMI of all the patients was found to be less than the normal ranges. Hypovitaminosis was present in all the cases. Vitamin D insufficiency was found in 49 participants (20 male and 29 female) whereas 31 patients (13 male and 18 female) were found to be vitamin D deficient.

Conclusion:

Prevalence of serum vitamin D level derangement is very high in newly diagnosed patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in our local setting which necessitates administration of adjuvant vitamin D along with standard anti tuberculosis therapy.

Sero-prevalence of HBV and associated risk factors among HIV positive individuals attending ART clinic at Mekelle hospital, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Because of the shared mean of transmission, hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of an important cause of co-morbidity and mortality in peoples living with HIV/AIDS. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the sero-prevalence of HBV infection and associated risk factors in HIV/AIDS positive individuals attending ART clinic at Mekelle hospital, Mekelle, Northern Ethiopia.

METHODS

A cross sectional study was conducted from August to October 2014 in HIV/AIDS positive adult individuals. Socio-demographic data and other explanatory variables were collected from 508 study participants using pre-tested and structured questionnaire-based interviews. Serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was detected using commercially available rapid test and third generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Bivariate and multivariate analysis, using SPSS V.20.0, were performed to assess the variables associated with HBV infection and P value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

RESULTS

A total of 508 study participants, 305 females and 203 males were included in this study with the mean (+SD) age of 37.8 + 9.6. The sero-prevalence of HBsAg was 5.9 %. Male gender (AOR = 2.6, 95 % CI 1.2-5.7), multiple sexual partners (AOR = 4.2, 95 % CI 1.3-13.1) and CD4 count <200 cells/μl (AOR = 3.5, 95 % CI 1.1-11.2) were significantly associated with HBsAg positivity.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of HBsAg was similar to the general population. However, HIV/AIDS positive individuals with reduced CD4 count, <200 cells/μl, showed a significant association with HBsAg seropositivity. Therefore, we recommended, all HIV/AIDS positive individuals should be screened for HBsAg during their follow for better treatment outcome and minimize risks of HBV transmission.