title: Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Adolescents in Enugu, Nigeria.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and correlates of hepatitis B virus infection in adolescents in Enugu-urban.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional seroprevalence survey was conducted among school children aged 10-18 years. Subjects were selected using multistage sampling. Hepatitis B surface antigenaemia (HBsAg) was assayed for in blood using rapid enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Data were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences version 16.0 (p < 0.05).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four hundred and twenty children were recruited. Of these, 13 tested positive for HBsAg, giving an overall hepatitis B seroprevalence of 3.1%. Social class, scarifications/tattooing, circumcision and history of surgery were the significant modes of transmission.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The seroprevalence of hepatitis B among children in the study population is high. Its screening in school children should be incorporated into school health services in our setting while awareness campaigns and health education on its modes of transmission and prevention should be promoted and strengthened.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Ituku-Ozalla, 400001 Nigeria chriseke2006@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Christopher B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Eke
authors.affiliation: Department of Applied Biochemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Sylvester O
authors.initials: SO
authors.lastname: Ogbodo
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, Federal Medical Centre Umuahia, Umuahia, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Oluchi M
authors.initials: OM
authors.lastname: Ukoha
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Roland C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Ibekwe
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Isaac N
authors.initials: IN
authors.lastname: Asinobi
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Anthony N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Ikefuna
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Bede C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Ibe
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000276:immunology* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population
chemical_list: D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
keywords: HBsAg; children; prevalence; risk factors