Prevalence and Associations of Hepatitis B Seropositivity in a Rural African Ophthalmic Surgical Population

Objective: Globally, Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a public health issue. It is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries. Working in a healthcare setting particularly in low resource area is a major risk factor for contracting HBV infection. Despite this, routine pre-operative screening for HBV infection has not yet practiced in many Nigerian hospitals. This study assessed the prevalence and associations of hepatitis B seropositivity in a rural south-eastern Nigerian population of ophthalmic surgical patients. Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional survey of ophthalmic surgical patients at the Presbyterian Joint Hospital—a rural missionary eye care facility in south-eastern Nigeria, conducted between December 2012 and June 2013. Participant’s socio-demographic and clinical data and result of screening for hepatitis B surface antigen (HbSAg) were collected. Results: The participants (n = 100; males, 40; females, 50) were aged 52.9 SD ± 15.4 (range 1 - 88 years). They were predominantly farmers—45% and traders—26% who had cataract—58% and glaucoma—16% as their leading clinical diagnosis indicating ophthalmic surgical intervention. Of them only 2 (2.0%) were sero-positive for HbSAg. HBV seropositivity was not associated with age, gender or occupation. Conclusion: Though the prevalence of hepatitis B viral infection is low in this study, universal measures to prevent cross infection of the healthcare worker is indicated.