Risk Factors and Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Antigen among University Students in the Sana'a City, Yemen

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a serious global public health problem that causes morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries. However, no prevalence data were published among Yemeni university students. Aims: Therefore, the objective of this study was to find out the risk factors and prevalence of HBV among Yemeni university students in the Sana'a capital of Yemen. Methods: This study was conducted on bachelor's students of six universities between February and June 2022. After obtaining the required data by using a designed questionnaire, the blood specimens were collected from each participant and the HBsAg was screened in serum by using a rapid test cassette and the positive results were confirmed by the ELIZA technique. Results: Out of 503 blood samples, only 9(1.79%) were HBsAg positive by rapid test. The high rate of HBsAg positive was recorded in males (7; 1.96%), age group of ≥24 years (2; 4.0%), students coming from rural areas (2.80%), unmarried students (1.98%), non-medical students (1.96%), and studying at the first years (2.61%) with statistically significant differences (P ˃0.05). However, the majority of HBsAg was found among subjects who had a history of hospitalization, donate blood, did a dental procedure, used common shaving instruments, were exposed to sharp injury, their a family history of HBV, and used china acupuncture. Also, the ELISA technique showed only one positive (0.20%) of nine that were positive by the rapid cassette test. Conclusion: In spite of the low rate of HBsAg observed in this study, this type of virus will be remaining a threatening source for the adult. Consequently, it should extend the HBV vaccination programme to a vulnerable population who didn't receive the HBV vaccine.