An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of hepatitis B virus in Ethiopia

Abstract

BackgroundHepatitis B virus is one of the major public health concerns globally. It is highly infectious and can be transmitted from person to person through vertically or horizontally via contaminated body fluids. Despite the provision of an effective vaccine, it remains a major problem worldwide, particularly among the developing countries.MethodsOnline electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, African Index Medicus, African Journals Online, and WHO Afro Library were searched and published articles from 2010 to June 8, 2019, were considered. Both authors independently screened articles and extracted the data. Funnel-Plots and Egger’s test statistics were used to determine the presence of small-study effects and publication bias. The pooled prevalence of HBV was analyzed using the random-effects model. The possible sources of heterogeneity was analyzed through subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and meta-regression.ResultsThe overall pooled prevalence of HBV was 6% and among subgroups, pregnant women, healthcare workers, and HIV positive patients accounted for 5% for each group. Relatively low prevalence (4%) was obtained among blood donors. The Egger’s test statistics (p = 0.747) indicated the absence of publication bias. In addition, from the sensitivity analysis, there was no influence on the overall effect estimate while removing a single study at a time. The level of heterogeneity was reduced among pregnant women, HIV positive and studies with unknown sampling techniques. After conducting meta-regression, province, study group, screening method, and quality of papers were identified as sources of heterogeneity.ConclusionsThe overall pooled prevalence of HBV in Ethiopia was high. Strengthening and scaling up of the scope of the existing vaccination program and implementing novel approaches including screen-and-treat could be implemented to reduce the burden of the disease. Generally, the study can provide current prevalence estimate of HBV that could vital for intervention to tackle the disease.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Factors Associated with Hepatitis B Virus Infection Among Pregnant Women Presented to Antenatal Care Clinics at Adigrat General Hospital in Northern Ethiopia

“…In Ethiopia, even if there is lack of data representing the prevalence of hepatitis B infection nationally, according to the findings of some individual studies, the country is regarded as having a high burden of the disease. 18 As evidence, two recent systematic reviews and meta-analysis revealed that the overall prevalence of hepatitis B infection among the total population ranged from 6% to 7.4%, 19 , 20 while among pregnant women the range was 5% to7%, 20 , 21 a primary source of infection for the newborn. This finding is supported by a number of other studies conducted in the country, which found that the prevalence of hepatitis B infection among pregnant women ranged from 4.3% to7.9%.…”

Full-dose hepatitis B virus vaccination coverage and associated factors among health care workers in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Moreover, the prevalence of HBV ranged from 5% to 8% [ 11 ] in the Sub-Saharan region. Additionally, the estimated prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) among the general population in Ethiopia was 6% [ 12 ].…”

“…The prevalence of HBV infection among health workers ranges from 0.8% to 74.4%, although it depends upon the region where they work [ 11 ]. In Ethiopia, the pooled national prevalence of HBV among health care workers is estimated to be 5% [ 12 ].…”

Cost-Utility Analysis of Expanding Hepatitis B Vaccination among Healthcare Workforce in Ethiopia

“…Increasing vaccination coverage among healthcare works is vital in Ethiopia. The prevalence has shown progress from 7.4% to 6% with the current vaccination coverage 16 in the country.…”

“…Health works are at high risk for viral infection compared to other ordinary people. Predisposing factors such as contamination due to medical procedures, workover load, and other factors are claimed to be responsible 10,11,14,16 . Moreover, regarding the accessibility of vaccines for health work remind a challenge particularly unavailability and cost are repotted 10,11,14 .…”