Factors Associated with the Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Military Personnel in the Bouaké Region (Côte d’Ivoire)

Abstract

Background and Aims: The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and to identify associated risk factors among military personnel stationed in the Bouaké region. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study conducted from September 2021 to March 2022 at the ENSOA in Bouaké. A total of 227 consenting military personnel were included. Sociodemographic and occupational data, risk behaviors, hepatitis B vaccination history, and HBV serological status (via blood sampling) were collected and analyzed. Comparisons between variables were performed using the chi-square test, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of the soldiers was 32.2 years. The sample included 200 men and 27 women. Most were single (78.9%) and had less than 10 years of service (65.6%). Eleven soldiers reported being vaccinated against hepatitis B. The HBs antigen seroprevalence was 5.29%, predominating among soldiers older than 30 years (p = 0.002), single (p = 0.017), with over 10 years of service (p = 0.007), and who had served on missions (p = 0.018). Conclusion: Hepatitis B is relatively frequent in the military region of Bouaké, particularly among soldiers over 30 years old, single, with over 10 years of service, and who have served on missions.