Sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Associated Factors Among Female Sex Workers in Hawassa, Ethiopia, 2019

Abstract Background Hepatitis B virus infection is one of the most serious infections and is a major public health problem. Female Sex Workers (FSWs) are considered to be at soaring risk for transmission and acquisition of HBV due to exposure to multiple sexual partners and barriers to the negotiation of consistent condom use. HBV screening services are not widely available in Ethiopia particularly for high risk groups such as persons with multiple sex workers. Hence, this study aimed to assess Sero-prevalence of HBVsAg and associated factors among FSWs in southern Ethiopia.Method A cross-sectional study was conducted from November to February 2019 at Hawassa city in ISHDO confidential clinic on 383 FSWs. A consecutive sampling technique was used to select study participants using standardized questionnaire. Data were entered to SPSS version 20.0 and analyzed for different variables using Logistic regression. HBsAg was detected from plasma samples using ELISA method. ResultsThe prevalence of HBV among FSWs was 9.2%(95%CI:6.3–12.1). The condom use, condom breakage during sex, use of stimulants, duration of prostitute, history of STI, history of genital ulcer, the number of clients used per day, sex during menses, sexual assault, common use of sharp material and the history of abortion were one of the common factors associated with HBV among FSWs. Conclusion The prevalence of HBV among FSWs in this study area was high. Condom use, history of genital ulcer, sexes during menses and sharp material sharing is highly associated with HBV infection among FSWs and emphasis should be given.