Hepatitis B virus infection, associated factors, knowledge and vaccination status among household contacts of hepatitis B index cases in Mwanza, Tanzania

Ivon Mangowi; Mariam M Mirambo; Semvua B Kilonzo; Mathias Mlewa; Helmut Nyawale; David Majinge; Fredy Hyera; Hyasinta Jaka; Conjester Mtemisika; Fausta Michael; Stephen E Mshana

doi:10.1016/j.ijregi.2023.12.007

Hepatitis B virus infection, associated factors, knowledge and vaccination status among household contacts of hepatitis B index cases in Mwanza, Tanzania

IJID Reg. 2023 Dec 30:10:168-173. doi: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2023.12.007. eCollection 2024 Mar.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ School of Public Health, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania.
² Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania.
³ Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences- Bugando, Mwanza, Tanzania.
⁴ Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania.
⁵ Ministry of Health, Immunization and Vaccine Development Program, Dodoma, Tanzania.

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, knowledge regarding HBV, vaccination status, and associated factors among household contacts of HBV index cases in Mwanza, Tanzania.

Methods: Between July and August 2023, a cross-sectional study involving 97 index cases and 402 household contacts was conducted. Data were collected using pre-tested structured questionnaire and blood samples were collected from household contacts for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) testing.

Results: The prevalence of HBV among household contacts was 5.4% (95% confidence interval, 2.9-9.0) with a significantly high proportion observed in > 45 years (16.6%) and in males (9.9%). A total of 40.0% of the household contacts had completed the full HBV vaccination series. On multivariate analysis, being male was significantly associated with HBsAg positivity (odds ratio: 7.16, 95% confidence interval: 1.81-28.2, P = 0.005).

Conclusion: About one-tenth of adults' male household contacts were HBsAg positive. In addition, the majority of household contacts had poor to fair knowledge regarding HBV infection with more than half being unvaccinated against HBV. There is a need to enhance awareness and education regarding HBV infection among household contacts in Tanzania and other low- and middle-income countries.

Keywords: HBV index case; Household contacts; Prevalence; Tanzania; Vaccination status.