Abstract:
Introduction: Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus are major etiological agents of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatocellular carcinoma is the fifth most prevalent tumor type and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Living in military camps and being at a greater risk of injury and hospitalization are potential risk factors for acquiring HBV and HCV infections. The risk of sharing utensils like razors and toothbrushes, traditional malpractices and unsafe sexual practices may contribute for the transmission of HBV and HCV among military personal living in military camps which can also serve potential source for the transmission of the viruses to the general community at large.
Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of HBV and HCV infection among military personnel at Bahir Dar armed forces general hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.
Methods: A Cross sectional study was conducted from February – May, 2015 among military personal at Bahir Dar armed forces general hospital. Based on a systematic random sampling technique a total of 403 study participants were included. Hepatitis B and C virus infection was determined using HBsAg and anti-HCV antibody test using rapid test. Socio demographic data and associated factors were collected through interview using structured questionnaire. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20.The P- value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Of the total of 403 military personnel enrolled, the prevalence of HBsAg and anti HCV antibody was 4.2% (17/403) and 0.2% (1/403) respectively. Among the total participants positive for viral hepatitis, 4.9% were females and 4.4% were males with the age range of 20-52 years. In multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that unsafe sexual practice was significantly associated with viral hepatitis infection (AOR= 5.126, 95% CI 1.306, 20.126 p=0.019).
Conclusion: The prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infection was intermediate and low among military personnel respectively. Routine screening for HBV and HCV in military should be implemented and the prevention of the disease should be practiced.
