Abstract:

The hepatitis B virus is a significant public health issue, particularly among high-risk population like diabetic’s patients. This infection could develop into severe liver condition such as liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) and cirrhosis. However, there is no enough data on prevalence of hepatitis B among diabetic’s patient in Mwanza, which resulted inadequate screening for the virus in this vulnerable group.

Objective: This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B among type two diabetics mellitus attending at Sekou Toure Regional Referral hospital in MwanzaTanzania.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study involving 177 diabetics patients was conducted between May to August 2024 at Sekou Toure Regional Referral Hospital in Mwanza. Social demographic information and medical history of study participants were collected by using convenience analysis tool. About 2-4ml of blood sample for each participant was collected in a plain tube followed by serum analysis. Detection of HbsAg was done using HbsAg rapid test kit. Data analysis was done using Stata software.

Results: Out of 177 types two diabetic mellitus patients 9(5.1%) were positive for hepatitis B virus. The most significant factors were unprotected sex, needle stick injury, Intravenous drug use, and Blood splash which showed a notably higher likelihood of contributing to hepatitis B infection compared to other associated factors in study.

Conclusion and recommendation: This study showed that the prevalence of the hepatitis B virus among type two diabetics mellitus in this study area is of intermediate endemicity (5.1%). Based on observed prevalence focus on strengthening hepatitis B vaccination for unvaccinated diabetics patient, Advocate for supportive policies guideline that supports prevention, treatments and awareness emphasizing the importance of addressing the diseases in area of intermediate endemicity.