Prevalence of HIV and Hepatitis B virus among adolescents seeking healthcare services at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Kebbi State, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study examines the prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) among adolescents seeking healthcare services at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria. The rationale for this study is that adolescents represent a critical demographic in the context of infectious diseases, as they often engage in behaviours that increase their risk for HIV and HBV infections. The study made use of a cross-sectional survey involving 300 adolescents aged 10 to 19 years who presented for various health services between January and June 2023. Blood samples were collected and tested for HIV and HBV using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques. The results revealed prevalence rate of 4.3% for HIV and 7.0% for HBV among the participants. Notably, the prevalence of HIV was higher in males (5.2%) compared to females (3.1%), while HBV showed no significant gender difference. Factors such as age, sexual activity, and history of blood transfusion were significantly associated with increased risk for both infections. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted public health interventions, including education on safe practices, routine screening, and vaccination programs, to mitigate the risks of HIV and HBV among adolescents in this region.