article · IPS Journal of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among inmates at Jos Correctional Centre in Nigeria, where data on HCV in prisons are scarce. Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study involving 184 randomly selected inmates. Serum samples were tested for anti-HCV antibodies, and active infection was confirmed using real-time PCR for HCV RNA. The overall seroprevalence of HCV antibodies was 12.0%, with an active infection rate of 8.2%. Active infection was significantly higher in males. Multivariate analysis identified being divorced or widowed as the strongest independent predictor of active infection. Traditional risk factors like injection drug use and sexual behaviours did not show a significant association. The findings indicate a moderate but significant burden of active HCV infection in this prison, driven more by sociodemographic factors than traditional risk behaviours, advocating for targeted public health interventions.
Hepatitis C is a serious liver infection. This research highlights a significant burden of active infection within a Nigerian prison, which can act as a reservoir for transmission. Understanding the prevalence and risk factors is crucial for public health, informing strategies to control the spread of the virus both inside and outside correctional facilities.
The abstract indicates a need for targeted screening and treatment programmes within correctional facilities. This suggests an application for diagnostic tools, such as rapid diagnostic tests and PCR kits, and antiviral medications. Public health organisations, prison health services, and pharmaceutical companies could be potential users. This is applied research, informing public health interventions and policy.
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Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) poses a significant global health burden, with prevalence in correctional facilities far exceeding that of the general population. Data on HCV in Nigerian prisons are scarce, hindering public health planning. Objective: This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence, active infection rate, and risk factors for HCV among inmates in Jos Correctional Centre, Nigeria. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 184 inmates were randomly selected. Serum samples were tested for anti-HCV antibodies using a rapid diagnostic test. Active infection was confirmed through HCV RNA detection by real-time PCR. Associations with demographic and behavioural factors were analysed using chi-square and logistic regression. Results: The overall seroprevalence was 12.0% (22/184): while the active infection rate was 8.2% (15/184). Active infection was significantly higher in males (8.4%) than females (5.9%) (p = 0.045). In multivariate analysis, being divorced or widowed was the strongest independent predictor of active infection (Adjusted Odds Ratio = 7.51, 95% CI: 1.09-51.82, p = 0.041). Trends of increased odds were observed for informal employment and needle sharing, though these were not statistically significant. Traditional risk factors like injection drug use and sexual behaviours showed no significant association. Conclusion: We found a moderate but significant burden of active HCV infection in this Nigerian prison, driven more by sociodemographic factors like marital status than traditional risk behaviours. These findings advocate for targeted screening, treatment, and health education within correctional facilities as a key strategy for HCV micro-elimination in Nigeria.
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DOI: 10.54117/ijamb.v4i4.102
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