HEPATITIS & LIVER DISEASES

Biography

Mother and Baby Care Global Foundation , Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, RAHI Foundation. State AIDS and STIs Control Program, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Port Harcourt, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Correspondence: Dr Eli S MB BS, FWACS.

Abstract

Introduction:

Hepatitis especially the B and C strains are increasingly common among adolescents especially in developing countries of the world. These group of persons are vulnerable and engage in high risk behaviour such as unprotected sexual intercourse and use of unsterilized intravenous drug.

Aim:

To determine the awareness of  hepatitis B infection amongst female adolescents in Rivers State, Nigeria. 

Method:

It was a cross sectional study of female adolescents attending holiday camp in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Questionnaire were distributed and information was coded and analysed using SPSS version 23.

Results:

One hundred questionnaires were distributed and 89 retrieved. The mean age was 16 ± 2 years. Fifty seven(64.0%) were in secondary school while 32(36.0%) of the adolescents were undergraduates. Twelve(13.5%) were sexually active compared to 69(77.5%) who were not sexually active. Thirty eight (42.7%) of the adolescents were aware of their hepatitis B infection while 48(53%) had no knowledge of hepatitis infection. The media was the most common means of information 25(28%) of the infection. Heterosexual intercourse 24(27%) was the most common means of transmission of the infection.

 Conclusion:

The study revealed that hepatitis B awareness amongst female adolescents in Rivers state, Nigeria was poor, as revealed by 42.7% of the respondents. Enlightenment programme is highly recommended to prevent its negative health consequences.