Assessment of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Virus Infections and Associated Risk Factors among Patients Attended Rwanda Military Hospital

Abstract

Background:Viral hepatitis is an infection affecting the liver and causing its inflammation due to viruses mostly hepatitis B and C viruses. Hepatitis B and C virus infections are serious global health issue leading to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Hepatitis B and C virus can lead to liver damage, liver cirrhosis and liver carcinoma. These infections are serologically characterized by the presence of HCV-Ab and HBsAg in serum.Objectives:The objective was to assess hepatitis B and C viral infections and associated risk factors among patients attended Rwanda Military Hospital.Materials and methods: This was a cross sectional study and was carried out between September 2016 and November 2016. A total of 100 participants were eligible in the research based on inclusion Criteria. HCV-Ab and HBsAg were detected using rapid diagnostic tests with immunochromatographic method and positive samples were confirmed using Cobas e411 analyzer, with electrochemiluminescence method. The results for Hepatitis B and C were statistically analyzed using SPSS 16.0.Results: The results of the present study show that hepatitis B and C infections prevalence were high and several risk factors for HCV and HBV were reported. The statistics show that HCV prevalence was higher than that of HBV with 20% and 17% respectively. Age and marital status were the only significant risk factors for Hepatitis C (Age,x 2 =17.389, df=3, p=0.001, Marital status,x 2 =11.096, df=3 p= 0.01). The lack of vaccination against HBV was the only significant risk factor for HBV (x=4.496, df=1, p=0.034). Conclusion:There was no Hepatitis B and C co-infection among the patients.Several risk factors for hepatitis B and C were reported. Education of the population about HCV and HBV infections, screening and vaccination, were urgently recommended in order to prevent and cut down the HBV and HCV infections.