Gender-Based Disparities in Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Prevalence in Kaura Namoda, Northwestern Nigeria

Umar; G. Onwuka; Abubakar S. F; Abdulrahman

doi:10.56201/ijcsmt.vol.12.no5.2026.pg142.146

📄 Download Paper

Gender-Based Disparities in Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Prevalence in Kaura Namoda, Northwestern Nigeria

Umar, A, ., G. Onwuka, Abubakar S. F, and Abdulrahman, A, .

Abstract

Gender differences in disease burden are often overlooked in public health programming, despite their critical role in shaping infection dynamics and healthcare access. This study explores gender-based disparities in Hepatitis B Virus prevalence in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, Nigeria, between 2019 and 2023. Using secondary data obtained from the HBV screening records of Kaura Namoda General Hospital, the study analyzed the distribution of confirmed HBV cases across male and female populations over five years. Descriptive statistics revealed that males consistently exhibited higher infection rates compared to females. This disparity is attributed to a combination of factors including occupational exposure, informal medical practices, low health-seeking behavior among men, and cultural barriers that deter male participation in preventive healthcare. Conversely, women benefited from integrated screening during antenatal care services, facilitating early detection and treatment. The findings mirror similar gender patterns reported in other parts of Northern Nigeria, indicating a systemic gap in HBV prevention and control strategies for men. To address these disparities, the study recommends gender-sensitive interventions such as mobile male-focused screening campaigns, workplace-based vaccination programs, and the engagement of traditional leaders to promote male participation in health services. Furthermore, gender-disaggregated data should be routinely collected to guide policy decisions and ensure equitable health outcomes. The study contributes to the growing body of evidence advocating for targeted health strategies that acknowledge and address gender-specific vulnerabilities in HBV transmission and prevention.

Keywords

Gender differences; gender disparities; Hepatitis B transmission

References

Adekanle, O., Ndububa, D. A., & Ayodeji, A. O. (2021). Hepatitis B virus infection: A review of the epidemiology and risk factors in Nigeria. Journal of Infectious Diseases in Developing Countries, 15(4), 495–502. Ajuwon, B. I., Yujuico, I., Roper, K., Richardson, A., Sheel, M., & Lidbury, B. A. (2021). Hepatitis B virus infection in Nigeria: A systematic review and meta-analysis of data published between 2010 and 2019. BMC Infectious Diseases, 21(1), 1120. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-021-06800-6 Aliyu, A. A., Ibrahim, B. M., & Musa, B. M. (2020). Gender disparity in HBV infection and health-seeking behavior among rural communities in Northwestern Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Medicine, 29(2), 115–121. https://doi.org/10.4103/NJM.NJM_137_19 Bello, M., Ibrahim, M. M., & Abubakar, A. M. (2021). Seasonal variation in Hepatitis B infection rates: A five-year retrospective study in North-West Nigeria. Nigerian Medical Journal, 62(3), 151–156. Nguyen, H. T., Tang, H., & Le, Q. M. (2020). The impact of COVID-19 on routine HBV surveillance programs. BMC Public Health, 20(1), 1243. Nsubuga, R., Kyeyune, P., & Tumwesigye, N. M. (2019). Gender differences in HBV prevalence and associated behavioral risks. African Health Sciences, 19(2), 1547–1555. Okonkwo, C. I., Eze, G. U., & Nwankwo, C. I. (2020). Age and gender differences in hepatitis B prevalence among rural dwellers in Nigeria. Journal of Community Health, 45(6), 1114– 1121. Ola, S. O., Otegbayo, J. A., Yakubu, A., & Odaibo, G. N. (2016). Risk factors and seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigenemia in semi-urban communities in Southwest Nigeria. The Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal, 23(3), 165–170. https://doi.org/10.4103/1117-1936.191444 Owolabi, A., Bolarinwa, O. A., & Popoola, D. S. (2022). Hepatitis B vaccination coverage among healthcare workers and rural populations in Nigeria: Gaps and strategies. BMC Infectious Diseases, 22(1), 817. Usman, A. M., Umar, H. A., & Sadiq, M. A. (2021). Hepatitis B virus infection among male and female residents of Northwestern Nigeria: A comparative study. Tropical Medicine and Health, 49(1), 49. World Health Organization. (2022). Hepatitis B fact sheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact- sheets/detail/hepatitis-b

Gender-Based Disparities in Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Prevalence in Kaura Namoda, Northwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Keywords

References

More Articles from INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICAL THEORY