Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, Syphilis and Associated Factors Among Female Sex Workers in Gondar Town, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a public health problem worldwide. Hepatitis B virus infection (HBV), hepatitis C virus infection (HCV), and syphilis are among the STIs. Female sex workers (FSWs) continue to be a high-risk group for STIs due to a variety of factors, including exposure to unsafe sexual practices. Therefore, this study determines the seroprevalence of HBV, HCV, Treponema palladium , and associated factors among FSWs in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 194 FSWs from March to June 2021 in Gondar town. Socio-demographic and behavioral data were collected using a questionnaire. Five milliliters (5mL) of venous blood was collected and tested for hepatitis B surface antigens, anti-hepatitis C antibodies, and anti-syphilis antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Logistic regression, univariate, and multivariate analyses were carried out. A p-value of < 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 194 FSWs were included in the study. The seroprevalence rates of HBV infection, HCV infection, and syphilis were 23 (11.9%), 13 (6.7%), and 22 (11.3%), respectively. All three infections were statistically associated with inconsistent condom use (AOR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.95–5.07, p = 0.03); (AOR = 10.51, 95% CI: 1.62–68.26, p = 0.014); and (AOR = 17.3, 95% CI: 4.55–65.6, p = 0.001). Whereas sex stimulant drug use (AOR = 9.4, 95% CI: 1.002–88.14), intravenous drug use (AOR = 15.53, 95% CI: 1.9–127.99, p=0.011), and sex while having a vaginal ulcer (AOR = 5.72, 95% CI: 1.13–28.9, p=0.035) were all statistically associated with HCV infection. Conclusion The prevalence of HBV infection, HCV infection, and syphilis was comparatively higher. Regular screening, health education, and other preventative strategies are advised to lower the STI burden among FSWs.

Prevalence and factors associated with hepatitis B and C virus infections among female Sex workers in Ethiopia: Results of the national biobehavioral Survey, 2020

“…There were no data indicating a national prevalence of HCV among FSWS, however the report from Dessie City, Northeast Ethiopia and Gondar Town, Northwest Ethiopia indicates the prevalence of HCV among FSWs 0.6% and 6.7% respectively [12]. The lack of access to regular screening of STIs among FSWs contributes a lot to the disease's transmission in resourcelimited countries, including Ethiopia and the national study on HCV will be a pre requisite for this study groups [18].…”

Direct‐acting antivirals in women of reproductive age infected with hepatitis C virus

“…health care and sex workers). [9][10][11] The natural history of HCV infection in women is characterized by a higher rate of spontaneous elimination of HCV viremia compared to men and a slower progression to cirrhosis and HCC in the premenopausal period. 12 These percentages level off and even reverse in postmenopausal women when the frequency of HCV infections and progression to unfavourable clinical consequences is significantly higher in women.…”

“…drug use, sexual behaviour, tattoos) and typically female professions associated with increased exposure to infection (e.g. health care and sex workers) 9–11 . The natural history of HCV infection in women is characterized by a higher rate of spontaneous elimination of HCV viremia compared to men and a slower progression to cirrhosis and HCC in the premenopausal period 12 .…”

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C Viruses and Their Associated Factors Among Military Personnel at Military Camps in Central Gondar, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…14 Furthermore, the military is frequently mobile from place to place for different professional reasons and stays longer without their family, which may cause them to have multiple sex partners and increase their exposure to different sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 16 Several studies have reported the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections among different segments of the population in the study area [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] and there is a single report of armed forces in Bahir Dar, Amhara Regional State of Ethiopia. 16 No data were described the prevalence of viral hepatitis among military personnel in the study area.…”