Prevalence of Hepatitis B among Patients in Rural Areas of Rivers State

G.A. Wokocha¹ and Sunny Aziaka²

¹Department of Integrated Science, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education Port Harcourt

²Department of Science Education, Rivers State University of Science & Tech. Port Harcourt

ABSTRACT

This experimental study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B in rural areas of Rivers State. A total of 250 samples made up of 108 males and 142 females were randomly sampled from five communities in Rivers State. Hepatitis B surface antigen was detected with the use of ACON rapid diagnostic test strips. The findings show:

• That the prevalence of hepatitis B was very low in the rural areas of Rivers state.
• Females are more exposed to hepatitis B than males. Based on the findings, recommendations were made.