Demographic and Serum Alanine Aminotransferase level of Primary Health Care Workers Positive for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Hepatitis C Virus in Cross River North, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Healthcare workers (HCW) are perceived to be a high-risk group for hepatitis B due to occupational exposure to infected bodily fluids and often poor availability of protective equipment in sub-Saharan Africa. This study was carried out to assess the serums ALT levels of Primary Health Care workers (PHCW) who are reactive to Hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis C virus and evaluate their sociodemographic characteristics amongst. Methods: The study was carried out in the health care centres of five (5) local government areas of Cross River North Senatorial district of Cross River State, Nigeria which includes Bekwarra, Obanliku, Obudu, Ogoja and Yala local government areas.  These primary health care centres provide medical services for patients diagnosed with Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV. Two hundred (200) health workers’ samples were analysed in the study. Results: The result showed that 192 (96%) of the subjects tested negative to hepatitis B Virus while 8 (4%) were positive for the virus. Data also show that 198 (99%) of the subjects tested negative to Hepatitis C Virus while 2 (1%) were positive. Alanine aminotransferase decreased in subjects that tested positive to the Hepatitis B and C Virus. Conclusion: The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis C amongst Health Care Workers was insignificant, and this could be attributed to the knowledge and attitude of the workers towards safety practices as well as vaccination.