Hepatitis B virus prevalence, vaccine uptake, and associated factors at Lodwar County Referral Hospital, Turkana County, Kenya

Introduction: hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a major global public health concern, with disproportionate burden in marginalized populations with low vaccine uptake. Turkana County, Kenya, is characterized by a mobile nomadic population and recurrent communal conflicts, factors that may increase the risk of HBV transmission and outbreaks. This study aimed to estimate the HBV prevalence and assess vaccine uptake and factors associated with HBV infection among patients attending Lowdar Country Referral Hospital, Turkana County. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study. Data on vaccine uptake, knowledge, and practices on transmission and prevention of HBV were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using SPSS. Results: among the 125 study participants enrolled, 56% (n=70) were female, while 44% (n=55) were male. Hepatitis B virus prevalence was 7.2%, with over half of the participants aware of the disease, its transmission, and symptoms. Risk exposures were common, including tattoos or scarification (64%), circumcision (72%), sexual activity with low condom use (50% never used a condom), and home delivery among one-third of female participants. Hepatitis B virus vaccination coverage was low (10%), with age, marital status, number of sexual partners, and parity significantly associated with HBV infection (p<0.05). Conclusion: the prevalence of HBV was of intermediate endemicity, with moderate awareness but low vaccination coverage. Age, marital status, multiple sex partners, and parity were significantly associated with HBV infection, highlighting the need for targeted public health interventions to improve vaccine uptake among this high-risk population.