Hepatitis B in Ghana's upper west region: A hidden epidemic in need of national policy attention

Mkandawire, Paul; Richmond, Chantelle; Dixon, Jenna; Luginaah, Isaac; Tobias, Joshua

doi:10.1016/j.healthplace.2013.06.001

Cited by 35 publications

(34 citation statements)

References 38 publications

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“…Recent epidemiological findings have established that rapid urbanization, over-populated cities and poor socioeconomic circumstances such as lack of access to potable water and sanitation are implicated in the burden of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. In Ghana, HBV is considered to be of significant public health importance and a disease that requires greater attention [13,14]. In order to curb the spread, a multifaceted approach, based on the above will have to be adopted in addition to encouraging the citizenry to vaccinate themselves against the virus.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Untitled

2020

Journal of Diseases

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Aim: This study aimed at compiling all hepatitis B results for prospective employees screened at the Cape Coast Metropolitan Hospital. This information is relevant in identifying those who are already infected, as well as susceptible individuals, to promote the establishment of prevention and control measures within work environments. Method: This study extracted data from laboratory records into Microsoft Excel and used for the analysis. Results: In this report, 13.3% (4/30) of prospective employees were found to be sero-positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The remaining were sero-negative (susceptible), and required vaccination. All of the four (4) found to be sero-positive were chronically infected [both hepatitis B envelope antibody (HBeAb) and core antibody (HBcAb)-positive], that is, capable of transmitting to susceptible individuals if the proper infection prevention practices are not well implemented in their homes and work places. Only males were found to be positive, while all females were negative. Conclusion: Continuous education, screening, management of infected individuals and vaccination of the susceptible, will go a long way to curbing the spread of hepatitis B infection. Contribution/Originality: This study contributes to existing information, and draws attention to occupational support in the management of hepatitis B infection. 1. INTRODUCTION Viral hepatitis infection is an international public health problem, which requires high priority strategies for prevention and control [1, 2]. Estimated worldwide carriers of hepatitis B virus is 257-350 million [3, 4] with an estimated 50 million chronic carriers of HBV in Africa. In sub-Saharan Africa, carrier rates range from 9% to 20% [5-8]. Hepatitis B virus is endemic in Ghana with sero-prevalence rates ranging from 6.7% to 10% in blood donors [9, 10] 6.4% in pregnant women [11] and 15.6% in children among the general population. In jaundiced patients the rate is 54.1% [12]. These statistics are of significant public health importance to Ghana [13, 14] eliciting nationwide advocacy and control strategies involving strict blood donor screening and prevention of mother to child screening at all antenatal care sites.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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2020

Journal of Diseases

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“…In line with Goal 3.3 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which seeks to eradicate all infectious diseases, particularly viral hepatitis, governments in HBV endemic contexts, including SSA have attempted to implement WHO's recommended strategy of awareness creation and vaccination. In Ghana, HBV awareness creation has been taken up by public health facilities, religious organizations, and NGOs through public information dissemination sessions at their facilities as well as through outreach programs 27 . Given the critical role of these health facilities and organizations in awareness creation aimed at reducing the overall HBV prevalence, this study examined the association between source of health information and good knowledge of HBV transmission among women and men in the HBV endemic context of the Upper West Region of Ghana.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Saleh, 26 for example, suggests deprivation, low literacy rates, and harmful cultural practices as some of the main factors facilitating HBV spread in the region. Similarly, Mkandawire et al 27 indicate that persistent misconceptions about the etiology of HBV transmission owing to poor access to health facilities and health information may be contributing to the spread of the disease.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Over time, these educational programs may have contributed to increased awareness about HBV transmission. In addition, these organizations provide specialized health care services for at‐risk populations in HBV endemic regions such as the UWR of Ghana 3,27 . In addressing low levels of HB knowledge and awareness in this region, community‐based approaches have been emphasized.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Hepatitis B knowledge among women and men in the upper west region of Ghana: What sources of health information matter?

Anfaara

Atuoye

Antabe

et al. 2020

Health Planning & Management

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Despite the vital role of accurate health information in reducing the spread of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in endemic contexts such as Ghana, little is known about how health information sources may influence disparities in the knowledge of HBV transmission among women and men. This study examines the association between sources of health information and knowledge of HBV transmission in the Upper West Region (UWR) of Ghana. Data from a cross‐sectional survey (n = 1061) was analyzed using gender‐specific multivariate ordered logistic regression models. The results show that, women who obtained health information from religious‐based programs (OR = 4.04, P < .05), higher‐level facilities (OR = 2.37, P < .05), and primary health facilities (OR = 1.83, P < .1) were more likely to have good knowledge of HBV transmission compared to non‐facility‐based programs. Similarly, men who accessed health information from religious‐based programs only, were more likely to have good knowledge of HBV transmission (OR = 2.14, P < .05) compared to non‐facility‐based programs. The results demonstrate the importance of health information sources on knowledge of disease transmission and prevention in a resource‐poor context. Based on our findings, we suggest the scaling‐up of information programs at health facilities in rural areas and the expansion of HBV services in the UWR in contribution towards the attainment of SDG #3.3.

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“…However, even among healthcare workers, there is still a lack of in-depth understanding, in keeping with similar studies in Ghana and Zambia (4,(6)(7)(8). The importance of education is highlighted by a study of HBV infection undertaken in Turkey (16).…”

Section: Emotional Responses To Hbv Infectionmentioning

confidence: 94%

A study of knowledge, experience and beliefs about hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in south western Uganda

Mugisha

Mokaya

Bukenya

et al. 2019

Preprint

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Introduction: United Nations sustainable development goals aim for the elimination of viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, leading to efforts to upscale the availability and accessibility of hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination, diagnosis and treatment globally. However, a variety of societal factors, including beliefs, traditions, and stigma, can be a major obstacle to all of these interventions. We therefore set out to investigate how HBV is understood and described in communities in Uganda, and whether there is evidence of potential stigma. Method: We carried out a qualitative formative study in two sites in South Western Uganda: a village in Kalungu district (site A) and an area on the outskirts of Masaka town (site B). We undertook a rapid assessment to investigate how adults describe HBV infection and their perceptions about the infection. We collected data by conducting a transect walk, observations, community group discussions, and in-depth interviews, sampling a total of 131 individuals. We used inductive content analysis to extract key themes associated with HBV. Results: There is no specific word for HBV infection in local languages, and knowledge about this infection is varied. While some individuals were completely unfamiliar with HBV infection, some had heard of HBV. Radio was a common source of information. There was awareness of HBV as a cause of liver disease, limited knowledge regarding the cause, mode of transmission and treatment. Stigma in HBV may be rare in this community due to limited understanding and experience of HBV. Conclusion: There is an ongoing need to improve awareness and understanding of HBV in this community. Careful dissemination of accurate information is required to promote acceptance of interventions for prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

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Hepatitis B in Ghana's upper west region: A hidden epidemic in need of national policy attention

Cited by 35 publications

References 38 publications

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Hepatitis B knowledge among women and men in the upper west region of Ghana: What sources of health information matter?

A study of knowledge, experience and beliefs about hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in south western Uganda

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