Prevalence of serological markers for HBV, HCV, and HIV infections among inmates of a rehabilitation home in Kaduna

• ¹, ABU Zaria,

Background: Hepatitis B and C viral and Human Immunodeficiency virus infections represent significant global public health concerns especially within vulnerable populations such as inmates of rehabilitation homes. Prevalence of serological markers for HBV, HCV, and HIV infections among inmates of a rehabilitation home in Kaduna

Methods: It was a cross-sectional study of inmates of Borstal Home of Nigerian Correctional Services Kaduna. A total of 298 inmates were screened. Interviewer admitted questionaire was used to collect information on demographic data. Blood sample was collected into plain bottles and serological tests for HBsAg and HCV Ab, and HIV were carried out on the samples using point of care test kits. Data were analysed using SPSS 2022 version and presented as percentages and in tables.

Results: Most of the subjects are males with male to female ratio of 20:1. The age range of the participant are 10 – 69 years with modal age of 20years. Percentages of inmates positive for HBsAg, HCV Ab and HIV Ab are (26)8.8%, (9)3.0% and (7)2.4% respectively.

Conclusion: The prevalence of HBsAg, HCV Ab, and HIV among inmates in Kaduna highlights the urgent need for targeted public health interventions in correctional facilities