Evaluating Hepatitis B vaccination rates and prevalence in Adults from Lagos Nigeria -a facility based World Hepatitis Day awareness study

Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a vaccine-preventable disease. The Global Health Sector Strategy on Viral Hepatitis has set goals to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. Vaccination is highlighted as a priority action in achieving this goal. The Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) conducts annual World Hepatitis Day (WHD) campaigns to educate and raise awareness, while aligning with the global call for viral elimination. This study was done to analyse the impact and uptake of the vaccination exercise carried out in NIMR programmes and proffer strategies for implementing and improving the uptake of adult vaccination in Nigeria. Methods As part of the WHD awareness campaign, a free HBV screening and vaccination programme was established for interested community members. Participants were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using the SD Bioline HBsAg Rapid test kit. Participants who tested positive were referred to the institute's clinic for further evaluation. Those who tested negative were vaccinated using a 6-month regimen of 3 doses (0, 1 and 6 month intervals). Participants' demographics and travelling distance to NIMR were obtained and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Variables significant via inferential statistics were subjected to a multivariate analysis. Results A total of 553 participants, with a mean age of 37.8 ± 13.1 years, were screened for HBsAg. Prevalence of HBsAg was 9.0% (50/553), and 402/503 (80%) gave consent for vaccination. Of these 402 participants, 85.5% and 57.7% completed the second and third doses, respectively, with 42.3% being lost to follow-up. Conclusions Economic migration and loss of interest were key factors influencing vaccine uptake. Participants with a farther travel distance/time to NIMR had significantly lesser odds (0.41) of completing vaccination.In conclusion, HBsAg prevalence is high, while vaccination uptake and completion is low. Mobile clinics and a shorter vaccine schedule are innovative strategies that may help improve the uptake of vaccines and reduce loss to follow-up.