EC Microbiology

Viral hepatitis is one of international public health problem affecting many individuals each year, causing disability and death. Military personnel are particularly vulnerable to parenteral and sexually transmitted diseases like hepatitis B virus (HBV).There are no data on the prevalence and associated factors of HBV among federal police staff in Ethiopia. So, this study was aimed at assessing the prevalence and associated factors of HBV among federal police staff in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from December 2020 to June 2021. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics. Blood samples were tested using a one-step test strip for HBsAg and positive samples were retested by using Murex HBsAg version 3 UK ELISA kits. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 21 computer software. Binary and multiple regressions were done to assess the strength of the association between dependent and independent variables.

The overall prevalence of HBV in this study was 4.6% (n = 23/500). The prevalence was higher in males (20/500) than in females (3/500). 97% and 99.6% of study participants, respectively, were not screened and were not vaccinated. In multiple regression, only residence (AOR = 2.4211 CI [1.015, 5.778]) was the independent predictor of HBV infection.

The prevalence of the hepatitis B virus was intermediate in this study. HBV infection was found to be more common in men, as well as those who had a history of blood transfusions and tooth extraction.

Keywords: Hepatitis B Virus Prevalence; Federal Police; Addis Ababa; Ethiopia

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