Seroprevalence and awareness of hepatitis C infection among informal workers at Kejetia Market, Ghana: A cross-sectional study
TL;DR
Although the prevalence of HCV was low, awareness of the infection was also limited; this highlights the need for public health authorities to implement targeted HCV education programs in major markets to effectively reach informal sector workers who are often overlooked by conventional campaigns.
Abstract
Globally, Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of chronic liver disease and remains a significant public health threat in Ghana. However, there is a paucity of data on the prevalence and awareness of HCV among market sellers and informal workers in Ghana. This study sought to determine the prevalence and awareness of HCV among this population. This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 397 sellers and workers at Kejetia market from December 2024 to January 2025. HCV was diagnosed using the One Test Hepatitis C Virus Test Strip (Qingdao Hightop) for the qualitative detection of HCV antibodies. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26 and GraphPad Prism version 8.0. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant for awareness of HCV. The prevalence of HCV in this study was 4 (1.0%). Awareness of HCV was low at 112 (28.2%). Residence (p=0.021) and age group (p=0.040) were significantly associated with HCV awareness. Age 41-50 years was almost three times more likely to be aware of Hepatitis C infection compared to [≤] 30 years. Although the prevalence of HCV was low, awareness of the infection was also limited; this highlights the need for public health authorities to implement targeted HCV education programs in major markets to effectively reach informal sector workers who are often overlooked by conventional campaigns.