Seroprevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B virus surface antigen among the workers in a garment factory

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to find out the prevalence of seropositivity and risk factors associated with hepatitis B virus infection. A total of 2,737 readymade garment workers were initially screened after getting departmental as well as the individuals consent and simultaneously a questionnaire was filled up by the field research assistants to assess the risk factors. Initially 59 cases were found positive for hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) by immunochromato-graphic test. Enzyme linked immunosorbant technique was then applied to the screened positive HBsAg individuals and four cases turned out as negative and therefore a total of 55  HBsAg positive cases were detected in this factory. Statistically significant risk factors associated with HBsAg positivity were jaundice, history of previous surgery and accident, needle stick injuries and unsafe injections. This study concludes that the seropositivity found garment workers is similar to the general population of Bangladesh.