ABSTRACTS

Hepatitis B virus is recognized as a global health problem, and it is the most frequent cause of chronic gastritis and is also strongly associated with peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. Hepatitis B infection in Africa is staggeringly high, and the bacteria are present in patients with chronic gastritis and gastric ulcers, circumstances that have not been in the past believed to have a microbial cause. There is high morbidity and mortality resulting from gastritis due to gastric malignancies and peptic ulcers, which may vary from state to state in Nigeria.This study aims to assess the prevalence, determinants and knowledge of Hepatitis B infection among the students of the University of Benin, Benin City also To determine the factors associated with Hepatitis B positivity. The blood samples will be tested for Hepatitis B antibody (IgG) presence using the one-step Hepatitis B antibody quick diagnostic screening kit (CTK Biotech, Inc., San Diego USA). The test protocol and results will be read and interpreted based on the instructions of the manufacturer. The majority of the students in this study were in their first year, second and third year with 110 (33.5%), 60(18.3%) and 60(18.3%) respectively. A vast majority of the students 290(49.1%) of the students resided in Edo state when school is not in session 149(45.4%) and 79(23.2%) students resides in Lagos. 44 students representing 66.7% of the students in the faculty of Education, Environmental Science and Management Science reported not having  tribal marks only 12 students representing 18.2% reported having at least one kind of a tribal mark.  60 (90.9%) of students in these faculties also reported not having patronised local manicure givers and the remaining 6(9.1%) had at one timr patronised them. 41 (62.1%) of the students reported not having their personal clippers for haircut only 9(13.6%) had personal clippers. 57 (86.4%) of the students in this faculties reported not sharing sharp objects while 9 (13.6%) said they share sharp objects. Also 30(45.5%) of the students said they were sexually active  while 26(39.4%) reported not being sexually active. The national immunization program for infants needs to be strengthened, but the government should also think about immunizing older kids and those who are at risk, such healthcare professionals. Indigenous or local practitioners of dental procedures, circumcision, scarification, pedicure, and other body-based procedures need to be educated on health risks and infection control regarding their techniques.