Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus among people screened at a primary care hospital in Bamenda: a cross-sectional study

Introduction: about 257 million people are infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) worldwide and the infection is endemic in Africa. The general population HBV seroprevalence remains under-reported in Cameroon. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study including, 1208 consenting adults selected through consecutive sampling, from April 2015 to November 2018, in the Bamenda Health District. Participants' demographic data were collected and their blood samples were drawn and tested for hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg). Data were analysed using SPSS version 24 and Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were used to assess bivariate associations. Results: the participants' mean age (years) was 35.9 +/- 11.8, (Ind the majority were females 720 (59.6%). The seroprevalence of HBV infection was 5.8% (95% CI: 4.5-7.3), and was significantly higher in males 8.4% (95% CI: 6.2-11.1), p=0.001, age group 30 39 years 8.4% (95% CI: 5.8-11.6), p=0.007 and the Mankon health area (12.7%; 95% CI: 9.1-17.1), p=0.026. Conclusion: the results suggest that HBV infection could be intermediately endemic in Bamenda, with a higher burden in males, people in their third decade and those from the Mankon health area. This study further underscores a need for extensive screening and vaccination campaigns in Cameroon.