EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS INFECTION: PREVALENCE, VACCINE COVERAGE AND ITS BARRIERS IN KATAGUM LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BAUCHI STATE NIGERIA

Abstract

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) remains a major global health challenge, particularly in developing countries where vaccination coverage is low. This study aimed to assess the prevalence
of HBV infection, knowledge, attitudes, and vaccine uptake among patients in Katagum Local Government Area Bauchi State, Nigeria. A total of 385 patients were recruited for the study. Blood samples were collected and tested for HBV surface antigen (HbsAg) using a rapid detection kit. Demographic data, vaccination status, and knowledge of HBV were obtained through structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The overall prevalence of HBV was 3.9%, with a higher rate in males (2.6%) compared to
females (1.3%). Adults aged 25–64 years had the highest prevalence (2.6%), while no cases were
recorded among individuals above 65 years. Rural residents had a higher prevalence (2.34%) than urban residents (1.56%). Vaccination coverage was 43.38%, with higher uptake among urban residents (23.38%) and males (35.06%). Marital status (p = 0.049) and place of residence (p = 0.000) were significantly associated with vaccine uptake. Knowledge of HBV was significantly linked to vaccination status (p = 0.031), as were attitudes toward the disease and its prevention (p < 0.001). The main barriers to vaccination were lack of awareness (42.20%), fear of side effects (22.94%), and negative attitudes toward vaccination (20.64%). The study highlighted a moderate HBV prevalence and suboptimal vaccination coverage in Katagum LGA, Bauchi State. There is a need for intensified awareness campaigns, improved vaccine accessibility, and targeted interventions to increase HBV vaccination rates, particularly in rural areas and among vulnerable groups.