Abstract:
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious problem and earlier studies in Papua New
Guinea have reported a high prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection. These studies were undertaken
using insensitive tests and before an expanded immunization program. The current HBV status is
therefore uncertain. A retrospective study to investigate the HBV status was carried out using blood
donor data at Nonga General Hospital, East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea, from January
2003 to December 2018. Additional data for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, syphilis and hepatitis
C virus were also collected. Data were analysed using NCSS statistical software. The mean hepatitis
B antigen (HBsAg) sero-prevalence was 21% for the period of study and showed a downward trend
over the period of the study, which may reflect the e ect of the extended immunization program.
HBsAg prevalence in male donors (23%) was significantly higher than females (16%). Donors living
in Pomio district had a significantly lower proportion of sero-positive HBsAg donors (7%) than
Gazelle (22%), Kokopo (22%) and Rabaul (20%), which was attributed to this district’s geographical
isolation. Ethnically, Pomios donors (8%) had significantly lower HBsAg prevalence than the Taulils,
(29%), Bainings (21%) and Tolais (21%). Fifteen to nineteen year olds (23%) were the predominant age
group accected, and vertical or perinatal transmission was probably the primary transmission route.
Our findings call for greater awareness on the part of public policy makers and should be considered
when planning future public health campaigns.
