Abstract:

Background: Hepatitis B is an infectious liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. Chronic hepatitis can induce liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; however, it is usually asymptomatic.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 100 participants who were partner of HBsAg positive patients at Department of Gastroenterology in Rangpur Medical College & Hospital. Data was collected by face-to-face interview

Results: This study found that 31% of the partners of HBsAg-positive patients were also HBsAg positive and only 35% of partners had a good knowledge level of HBsAg where male partners (4.54±3.05) with higher education (5.67±2.50⁾ with age range 31-40 years (5.03±3.24) had more mean knowledge score. Educational status was significantly associated (p<0.05) with the knowledge score.

Conclusion: About one-third partners were HBsAg positive and maximum had poor level of HBsAg related knowledge. So, a national HBsAg awareness campaign needs to be organized, with a focus on the illiterate and the active partners of HBsAg positive patients.

Keywords: Anti-HBc, ELISA, HBsAg, positive patients, status.