Socio-demographic determinants of hepatitis B virus seropositivity among adults in Tolon, Ghana: a community-based survey

Viral hepatitis is a global public health concern, affecting all races worldwide. Data availability on geography-specific prevalence is critical to its eradication. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and socio-demographic determinants of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection among adults in Tolon, Northern Ghana. Cross-sectional design and multistage stratified sampling techniques were used to select 195 participants. Data collection procedures involved screening for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) using the Onsite HBsAg Rapid Test-Cassette and administering structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26. At a 95% confidence level, a P-value < 0.20 was considered in multivariate logistic regression analysis. In this study, the seroprevalence of HBsAg was 7.2%. There was a higher prevalence among males (8.6%) than females (5.9%). The odds of testing positive for HBsAg for participants aged ≥ 30 years was 4.3 times compared to ages 18 to 29 years (95% CI = 1.24–14.38; p = 0.018). Being formally employed (aOR = 0.25; 95% CI = 0.07–0.84; p = 0.024) was statistically significantly associated with testing positive. This study found moderate endemicity of HBsAg seroprevalence in the Tolon district, with more males being affected than females. The participants’ advanced age is a predictor of positive testing for HBsAg. This study pioneered a community-based HBV seroprevalence research in the study area. Further studies should be conducted with larger samples to deepen the understanding of the seroprevalence. In addition, HBV health education campaigns, screening, and vaccination programs should be intensified in the study area.