Spatio-Demographic Distribution of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Ringim Emirate, Jigawa State, Nigeria

Abstract Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection remains a major public health concern globally, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where the burden of chronic infection is disproportionately high. Nigeria is classified among the highly endemic countries for HBV infection, with substantial variations in prevalence across regions and population groups. Despite the growing burden of HBV in northern Nigeria, limited studies have examined the demographic and spatial dimensions of the disease in Jigawa State. This study investigated the demographic and spatial distribution of Hepatitis B Virus infection in Ringim Emirate, Jigawa State, Nigeria, between 2014 and 2018. Secondary data were obtained from four selected health facilities comprising Ringim General Hospital, Babura General Hospital, Garki Primary Health Centre, and Taura Primary Health Centre. A total of 2,503 confirmed HBV cases were extracted from hospital records and analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square analysis, and spatial mapping techniques in ArcGIS 10.4. The findings revealed that males accounted for 66.8% of reported HBV cases, while females represented 33.2%. The age groups 20–29 years and 30–39 years recorded the highest burden of infection, accounting for 35.0% and 25.7% respectively. Spatial analysis showed that Babura, Batali, Garu, Dorawa, Ringim, Tofa, and Yandutse wards recorded the highest concentration of HBV cases, whereas Muku, Siyore, Kore, Gujungu, and Sabon-Garin Yaya recorded relatively low incidences. The Chi-square test indicated a statistically significant association between gender, age structure, and HBV infection (p < 0.05). The study concluded that HBV infection in the study area exhibits significant demographic and spatial disparities influenced by population concentration, healthcare accessibility, and socio-behavioural factors. The study recommends intensified public health awareness campaigns, improved vaccination coverage, community-based screening programmes, and enhanced geographical surveillance systems for effective HBV control in Jigawa State.