Hepatitis B Infection: A Mixed Methods of Disclosure Pattern and Social Problems in the Nigerian Family

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has a high prevalence rate in Nigeria. Disclosure of infection status to close partner and the public attracts support for infected people. This study looks at disclosure and social challenges of infected persons. Methods: Mixed methods of patients’ administered questionnaire and an in-depth interview conducted on HBV-infected respondents in a hospital in Nigeria were used. The study recruited all participants who satisfied the inclusion criteria. Data were entered into SPSS version 20 and analyzed using simple and inferential statistics and content analysis for the in-depth interview. Results: A total of 205 participants completed the questionnaire study. Mean (standard deviation) age was 35.3 (±11.0) years. There were 121 married, 37 singles with noncohabiting partners and 47 singles without partners with disclosure rates being 96.7% versus 97.9% versus 89.2%, respectively. Singles disclosed infection more to their parents while married respondents disclosed infection more to their spouses. Singles had high rate of denial of sexual relationship (22.6%), emotional trauma (34.5%), broken relationships (11.4%), and surreptitious use of contraception for protection (67.6%). Married respondents had the highest rate of HBV vaccination of their family members (40.1%). Infection prevention and allaying fears of family members were their counseling needs. In-depth interview revealed that infected respondents usually expressed shock and depression at a positive test leading to fear and deception that put close associates at risk. Conclusion: Hepatitis B virus–infected respondents have high rate of disclosure. Family problems of these people can therefore be solved through public enlightenment and individual counseling.