Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C Virus Among Students of Federal University Gashua, Yobe State, Nigeria.

Abstract Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major health problem and account for a substantial proportion of liver diseases world-wide. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus among students of Federal University Gashua, Yobe State, Nigeria. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) blood samples were collected from students and one step Hepatitis B surface antigen and Anti-HCV test strips were used to analyse the samples. A total of 10 (8.3%) were positive for HBsAg and none 0 (0%) was positive for Anti-HCV among the study population. The age group of 21-25 years had highest prevalence of 6(11.1%). In relation to gender, male students recorded highest prevalence of 5(11.1%) in comparison to female students. Assessment based on marital status, married subjects had highest HBV prevalence of 5 (10.0%), most of the respondents had knowledge about the disease but highest prevalence of 3(9.1%) was observed in those that were not aware of the infection. The result was analysed in relation to some risk factors, the respondents that were not vaccinated, those that shared sharp objects and those with history of blood transfusion all had higher HBV prevalence. The outcome of this study showed a high prevalence rate of HBV and a zero percent prevalence of HCV among Student of Federal University Gashua, Yobe State, Nigeria. Students should be educated on Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C infection as well as the risk factors associated with it, immunization against viral hepatitis should be encouraged.