CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.0. Introduction

This chapter runs back ground of study, statement of problem, objectives, General objectives, specific objectives, and research questions, significance of the study, scope of the study and operational definition of terms.

1.1. Background

Hepatitis B is a common but serious liver infection that is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). If left undetected or untreated, it can lead to life threatening liver disease or liver cancer. According to WHO, Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease. Hepatitis stands for “inflammation of the liver” and five types of viruses can cause viral hepatitis which is hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis B (HBV) is according to the World Health Organization (2012) the most common liver infection in the world. HBV is a virus that only can infect humans and today, 240 million people are infected by chronic HBV in the world (WHO, 2015). Hepatitis B is a highly contagious infection.   In Thailand an expected number of 8-20% of the population are currently carriers of the HBV infection. Most cases among adults, the infection heals. Approximately 65 million of hepatitis B infected individuals live in Africa, thus Africa with approximately 17% of the world´s population carries 23% of the burden for HBV infections. In areas of high endemic where at least 8% are chronic carriers, hepatitis B is mostly contracted during early childhood. Perinatal transmission from an infected mother to her baby is common. About 90% of those infected during the prenatal period, 30% of those infected in early childhood, and 6% of those infected after 5 years of age develop chronic infection.

 In Cameroon, the prevalence ranges from 6-16% (Frambo et al. 2014). in the Buea Health District, reported a 9.7% prevalence of HBsAg among pregnant women, and also noted that lack of awareness of the disease led to a delay in diagnosis and spread of the virus. Recent studies recorded the prevalence as high as 10.7% and 12.14% for HBV among blood donors in hospital blood banks in Cameroon. Hepatitis is becoming a major health issue all over the globe as it remains a symptomatic for years and leads to serious morbidity(Leoni et al.,2022).Hepatitis can result in Impaired liver function, severe liver damage, and acute liver failure, all of which are potentially fatal(Stravitz&Lee,2019;Wendonetal.,2017). The virus is most commonly transmitted from mother to child during birth and delivery, in early childhood, as well as through contact with blood or other body fluids during sex with an infected partner, unsafe injections or exposures to sharp instruments. WHO estimates that 254 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B infection in 2022, with 1.2 million new infections each year? In 2022, hepatitis B resulted in an estimated 1.1 million deaths, mostly from cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (primary liver cancer). Hepatitis B can be prevented with a safe and effective vaccine. The vaccine is usually given soon after birth with boosters a few weeks later. It offers nearly 100% protections against the virus.

1.2. Statement of problem

Hepatitis B can cause a chronic infection and puts people at high risk of death from cirrhosis and liver cancer. It can spread through contact with infected body fluids like blood, saliva, vaginal fluids and semen. It can also be passed from mother to her baby.  When severe, acute hepatitis can lead to liver failure, which can lead to death. Although most people will recover from acute illness, some people with chronic hepatitis B will develop progressive liver disease and complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer. This disease can be fatal.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is still a serious worldwide problem, and vaccination is the most effective strategy for primary prevention of the infection. Although universal vaccination may be required for total eradication, several countries, including Japan, have not yet adopted universal vaccination programs. Some individuals are non-responders to HBV vaccine and severa mechanisms responsible for their poor response have been proposed. To overcome non-response, third generation vaccines with pre-S proteins have been developed. These vaccines have shown better antiHBs responses and may also be effective in preventing infection by HBV with S mutant. Improvement of vaccine efficacy by intradermal administration, or co administration with cytokines or adjuvants, may also be effective in non-responders. The necessity, timing and method of booster vaccination in responders with decreased anti-HBs responses, and effective vaccination against S-mutant HBV, are issues requiring resolution in the global prevention of HBV infection.

1.3. Research objectives:

1.3.1. General objectives:

    To assessing youths knowledge on the causes and preventions of hepatitis B in the BOMAKA community buea.

1.3.2.   Specific objectives:

1.    To assess youth’s knowledge on the causes of hepatitis B in the BOMAKA community.
2.    To assess youth’s knowledge on the preventions of hepatitis B in the BOMAKA community.
3.    To assess challenges youth’s face in the prevention of hepatitis B in the BOMAKA community.

1.4 Research questions:

         What is youth’s knowledge on the causes of hepatitis B?

         What is youth’s knowledge on the preventions of hepatitis B?

          What is youth’s knowledge on the challenges faced in the preventions of hepatitis B?