Level of Awareness of Hepatitis B Viral Infection among a Subset of Makurdi Community in Benue State, Nigeria

Background: The high prevalence of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers worldwide coupled with complications such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma makes the disease a global health challenge.
Aim: To determine the level of awareness of a subset of Makurdi, Benue state’s populace on HBV infection and control.
Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted among members of Benue State University (BSU) community in Makurdi, Benue state, Nigeria on 25th November, 2012. Socio-demographic data was collected from participants with the aid of structured questionnaires. Awareness on hepatitis B viral infection and knowledge of the various modes of transmission of Hepatitis B infection were also assessed.
Results: A total of 728 individuals were recruited into this study consisting of 308 (42.31%) females and 420 (57.69%) males. Majority (63%) were between 21 and 30 years of age. Over 90% of the study group attained up to tertiary level of education; about 30% were married and 81.1% had heard of HBV. There was a significant awareness on hepatitis B virus infection among the study population. 34.9%, 43.8%, 54% and 50.7% were fully aware that HBV can be transmitted from infected mother to child during delivery, through sexual contact with infected partner, through use of HBV infected blood product and use of needle contaminated with HBV, respectively. Only 43%, 43.1% and 32.3% knew HBV is not transmitted by dirty toilet, drinking contaminated water or hugging infected individuals respectively.
Conclusion: There is a significant awareness on hepatitis B virus infection and its transmission among our study population; however, some misconceptions which can result in stigmatization of HBV infected individuals exist. We recommend the strengthening of ongoing Health Education programs on HBV in this environment.