Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Virus, and Risk Perception among Healthy Adults in Western Region, Nepal

Background: Seprevalence of Hepatitis B and C virusesamong the healthy adults is important helps to knowabout the disease burden. Objective: This study was conducted to find out the seroprevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection, and risk perception among healthy young adult population in the this Region. Methods: Blood samples were analyzed for the presence of HBsAg and HCV antibodies by ELISA at Western Regional Blood Transfusion Service. Perceived risk of HBV and HCV was measured by Likert-type scale: no risk, little, moderate, high and very high risk, ranging from 1 to 5. Proportions, chi-square test and independent samples t-test were used. Results: Seroprevalence of HBV, HCV and co-infection of HBV and HCV among 2032 healthy participants were found 0.7 %, 0.4 % and 0 %, respectively. Seroprevalence of HBV was slightly higher among females, the respondents aged 30 years and below, married, having had multiple sexual partners. Seroprevalence of HCV was higher among males, respondents aged 18-29 years, married, participants having made tattoo. However, there was not statistically significant association of HCV seropositivity except with age group. About two-fifth of the respondent perceived moderate to very high risk of contracting HBV and HCV in their life time. Mean risk perception was 2.74 and 2.68 of HBV and HCV, respectively. There was statistically significant association of risk perception of HBV and HCV with sex, age group and marital status. Conclusion: seroprevalence of HBV is more than of HCV, and risk perception of both is moderate among healthy looking general population.