Research Article
Banla AK, Gani KT, Halatoko WA
Abstract
Background: In Togo, no overall prevalence of hepatitis B has been previously estimated and yet it is a country located in an area of high transmission of this virus. The objective of this study was to document the prevalence of HBs antigen among youth aged 15 to 24 in Togo in 2010 and its associated factors. Method: This was a cross sectional study, conducted in 2010. It covers a serum bank samples of 2,101 obtained in the framework of a national survey on the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among subjects of both sexes aged 15 to 24 years. We collected socio-demographic data such as age, sex, location and area of residence, marital status and educational level. The HBs antigen screening was made by the 4th generation, "sandwich" type of ELISA test. Results: A total of 2,101 young people aged 15 to 24 were included. The average age of respondents was 19.4 ± 2.8 years and the sex ratio was 0.9. The majority of respondents were single (78%). The prevalence of HBs Ag was 16.4%. It varied significantly with gender, marital status, place and region of residence. The male (19.2%) were more infected than females (13.9%). The central region was the most affected (27.7%), followed by Savanna (23.1%) and Kara (23.0%). Young people in rural areas (18.3%) were more infected than those in urban areas (14.9%). Conclusion: This study shows a high prevalence of HBV among young people aged 15 to 24 years especially among those living in rural areas and in the northern regions of the country. This should encourage the strengthening of preventive action including vaccination in those areas.