Epidemiology and Prevalence of HBsAg in the Student Population of the Higher Institute of Technology of Mamou, Republic of Guinea

Abstract

Introduction: Due to its frequency, complications and socio-economic consequences, hepatitis B constitutes an international public health problem comparable to that posed by other communicable diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis and malaria. Sub-Saharan Africa, with a prevalence rate between 8 and 18%, is a highly endemic region. Objective: To help protect the health of students through awareness and screening for the hepatitis B virus. Methods: This is a prospective and descriptive longitudinal study which lasted one month, from February 15 to March 15, 2023. Results: Among the 200 students screened for the hepatitis B virus, men were more represented (80.50%) than women (19.50%), with a m/f sex ratio of 4.12 in favor of men. The 17-25 age group was the largest (77%), followed by the 26-33 age group (19.5%), the 34-41 age group (3%) and the 42+ age group (0.5%). 32% of students say they have good knowledge of the hepatitis B virus, compared to 68% who say they have little knowledge. The majority reported television as a source (75.5%), followed by radio (16%), school (4%), newspapers (2.5%) and social media (2%). The vast majority identified sexual transmission (89%), followed by blood (9.5%) and saliva (1.5%). In terms of risky practices, the majority of students identify prostitution (82.5%), followed by tattooing (9%), piercing (5%) and acupuncture (3.5%). Concerning knowledge of the hepatitis B vaccine, the majority of students (67.5%) say they do not know the vaccine against the hepatitis B virus, compared to 32.5% who say they know the vaccine. The HBV prevalence test showed 11% carriage compared to 89% negative tests. Transaminase tests on positive cases gave 63.63% normal ALT versus 36.36% elevated ALT; 72.72% normal AST versus 27.27% high AST. Carriage was higher in men (86.36%) than in women (13.63%). Single students were the most represented with 95.45%, compared to 4.55% for married students. Students from the Technical Laboratory and Mechanical Design and Manufacturing Departments were the most represented with 27.27% each. They were followed by those of the Biomedical Equipment Technology and Computer Engineering Departments with 18.18% each. Finally, the Energy Department was the least represented in this series with 9.09%. Conclusion: This study showed that the hepatitis B virus is present at the Mamou Higher Institute of Technology. It is therefore important to introduce it into secondary school programs to improve knowledge of the hepatitis B virus in Guinea.