ABSTRACT
Background: The prevalence of
hepatitis B & C is increasing globally,
giving rise to a significant increase in
morbidity and mortality. Individuals
with psychotic disorders are
particularly at risk of contracting
hepatitis B & C due to lifestyle
factors. Routine hepatitis screening
among this population is advocated.
This study reports on the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B & C
amongst individuals with psychotic
disorders in Nigeria and the utility of
a screening program for hepatitis in
an asymptomatic population.
Methods: A cross-sectional study of
patients (n=96) with a psychotic
disorder, presenting for the first time
to a regional psychiatric facility. We
determined sero-positivity to HBV
and HCV using Hepatitis B surface
antigen (HBSag) and Hepatitis C
virus (HCV) test strips.
Results: The sero-prevalence of
hepatitis B and C were 3.1% and
4.2% respectively. All sero-positive
respondents were female and none
was aware of her positive status.
Only 3.1% had a history of blood
transfusion. There was no significant
difference in terms of Hepatitis B & C
infection and previous blood
transfusion (p=0.752, 0.714), use of
psychoactive substance (p=0.247,
0.817) and diagnostic group
(p=0.309, 0.570).
Conclusion: The prevalence of
hepatitis B & C was low in the sample
studied. Though exploratory, our
findings do not currently support a
routine Hepatitis B & C screening in
individuals with psychotic disorders
Key words: Key words: sero-prevalence,
HepatitisB&C,severementalillness
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