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Prevalence of hepatitis B infection among African immigrants in the Greater Philadelphia area
Thesis

Prevalence of hepatitis B infection among African immigrants in the Greater Philadelphia area

Monisola A. Obikoya-Malomo
Master of Public Health (M.P.H.), Drexel University
Jun 2012
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-3945
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Obikoya-Malomo_Monisola_2012747.49 kB
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Obikoya-Malomo_Monisola_2012_Suppl1659.80 kB
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Abstract

Emigration and immigration--Health aspects Hepatitis B Pennsylvania--Philadelphia Public Health
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global health problem. It is the most important life threatening viral hepatitis and most common liver infection worldwide. The prevalence of HBV in the Asian and Pacific Islander immigrant communities in the U. S has been well described. However in the African immigrant community, data are sparse. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV among African immigrants residing in the Greater Philadelphia area. A structured questionnaire was administered to 87 adults, 18 years and older. Blood samples were collected from participants and tested for HBsAg and anti-HBs at the Quest diagnostic laboratory. A total of 41 males (47.7%) and 45 females (52.3%) were screened. The mean age was 39.4 years (SD=12.89). The mean duration of stay is 11.4years (SD= 11.7years) and 51.7% of those screened had lived in the U. S for [less than or equal to] 10 years. Of those screened, 10 (5 males and 5 females) were HbsAg positive indicating current infection and prevalence of 11.49%. Also 41 (47.13%) of those screened were anti-HBs positive indicating immunity due to past infection or vaccination. Ten out of 21(41.4%) of those who self reported a vaccination history had a positive anti-HBs result. There was no statistically significant relationship between the outcome variable HbsAg or anti-HBs and the risk factors studied. This study reveals that 1 in 9 of every African immigrant screened was infected with HBV. This indicates a need for increased seroprevalence surveillance, increased vaccination and education about hepatitis B in this group.

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