PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS B AND C VIRUS ANTIBODIES AMONG STUDENTS INVOLVED IN RISKY SEXUAL BEHAVIOR IN A NIGERIAN TERTIARY INSTITUTION

Sexual contact is one of the ways hepatitis B and C can be transmitted. Limited investigations have been recorded on the prevalence of HBV and HCV antibodies among students involved in risky sexual behavior in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B and C antibodies in such group of people. Structured questionnaires were administered to obtain data on sexual behavior of the participants. A total of 91 students consisting of 46 males and 45 females between ages 16 and 25 years were examined using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Liver enzymes of ELISA positive samples were assayed. Prevalence of HBV and HCV antibodies among students involved in risky sexual behavior were 23.1% and 0% respectively. There was no significant difference between the prevalence of HBV antibodies among gender. Although higher prevalence was recorded among students between ages 16-20, in relation to students in ages 21-25, the difference is not statistically significant (>0.05). The prevalence of HBV antibodies among students involved in multiple sex partnership was significantly higher (p<0.05) than those involved in single sex partnership. The prevalence was significantly higher (p<0.05) in non-condom users than in condom users. Six (6.0%) of the students recorded raised liver enzymes. Students involved in risky sexual behavior are at high risk of HBV infection especially in cases of multiple sex partnership. Condom usage may not provide risk-free sex for users. Enlightenment campaign against risky sexual behaviors in higher institutions is advocated.