Inputting Community Educators as Advocates of Hepatitis B Screening Uptake Among Women of Reproductive Age in Jos North Communities, Plateau State

Abstract

Abstract

Hepatitis B is one of the common viral hepatitis affecting persons that may not have been previously vaccinated with the antigen. It is easily prevented through a three dose schedule of vaccination with the antigen, but unfortunately despite the accrued benefits of prevention through vaccination, there is a growing apathy towards early detection (screening) and vaccination of adults especially of women in the reproductive age group.

Women of reproductive age is a good target if adequate control of Hepatitis B spread is be to achieved. Thus, the role of the community educators may be considered very crucial and timely in scaling up the willingness to screen for Hepatitis B in our communities.

Study objective

The influence of community educators on Hepatitis B virus screening and vaccine uptake among adult females was assessed.

Materials and Methods

The study was carried out over a period of 6 weeks. Six community educators (CE) residing in selected communities in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State were the research assistants, 2 in each of the selected communities. Consent was first obtained after the research was explained to the participants. The research was conducted over 6 weeks, in the first week, eligible participants were mobilized, information were obtained by interviewer-administered questionnaire after consent to participate was obtained. Information were obtained on socio-demographic characteristics, virus status and willingness to conduct a screening test. They were then encouraged, given a recorded information tag and linked to the nearest PHC for a viral screening and vaccine uptake. A feedback assessment at the PHCs was conducted over the research duration after one weekly reminder calls to participants whose information were not obtained at the PHCs.

Results 

Two hundred and thirty-four adult females were the participants; one hundred and twenty-one (51.7%) completed secondary school education. One hundred and seventy-one were between ages 18-30 years while the higher ages more than 30 years formed 26.9% of the participants. One hundred and eighty-nine were married (80.8%); 139, (59.4%) had no knowledge of their Hepatitis B status; of the 95 (40.6%) that knew, 27(11.5%) had immunization against the virus while 68 (29.1%) has had no immunization despite the previous negative Hepatitis B status. Most of them were however willing to have a routine screening for Hepatitis B while 18 (7.7%) were not sure they will subject themselves for screening for fear of the unknown. Uptake were good in all the selected communities A, B and C (66.7%, 62.2% and 84.8%) respectively. 

 

Conclusion

The community educators played a significant role in improving Hepatitis B screening and vaccine uptake in three selected communities in Jos North, Plateau State.