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

Abstract

Mitikie Wondmagegn,1 Yitayih Wondimeneh,2 Alem Getaneh,2 Getnet Ayalew2 1Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia; 2Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Getnet Ayalew, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, P.O.Box: 196, Gondar, Ethiopia, Tel [phone], Email [email protected]: 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.Keywords: HBV, HCV, syphilis, STIs, FSWs, Gondar town

Keywords

• hbv
• hcv
• syphilis
• stis
• fsws
• gondar town.