Speakers - 2026

Title: Prevalence of protective levels of anti hbs antibodies among 15 to 17 year old adolescents at Kawempe division Kampala Uganda

Abstract

Liver related cancer and cirrhosis mortality rates have been reduced globally by the Hepatitis B vaccine however decay still happens. We aimed at determining the prevalence of breakthrough HBV infections (Exposure, Acute and chronic infections) and the prevalence of protective levels of vaccine specific antiHBs antibody titers amongst 15–17-yearold adolescents in Kawempe division, Kampala, Uganda. A cross sectional study . Sample size: 288 participants. The results showed; Males;149 (51.7%), Females;139 (48.3%). First dose recipients; 26 (9.0%) , Second dose recipients;  45 (15.6%) and Third dose recipients; 217 (75.4%).Combo test results: Participants at exposure (Combo susceptible);221  (76.7%), Acute infections; 4 (1.5%), Chronic infections; 3 (1.0%) and vaccine protected 60 (20.8%).Titer test results: Responders ; 22 (36.7%) and non-responders were 43 (66.2%). In conclusion: Hepatitis B vaccine 3 dose coverage was good at 75.4% due to introduction of the HBV birth dose and screening of pregnant mothers however more awareness programmes on benefits of immunisation to parents are encouraged and provision of medicines in all health centers. The study revealed an exposure rate of 76.7% for adolescents who had primarily been vaccinated owing this to genetics, Storage, Usage of overdue medicines and in-completion of HBV doses. The prevalence of acute and chronic infections in our study was moderately high at 1.5% and 1.0% respectively due to indulgence in sexual intercourse at a young age plus having many sex partners, Use of drugs, Body piercings and body tattooing plus not knowing the HBV status especially to young mothers. Our study recorded a low prevalence  of  protective anti-body titers at 33.8% possibly due to genetics.    

What will the audience take away from the presentation?

1. Get to know that Hepatitis B exists and it’s deadly.
2. How it spreads plus co-infections.
3. There is a vaccine against Hepatitis B virus.
4. The vaccine wanes over time.
5. Taking a booster dose could help.

Explain how the audience will be able to use what they learn?

First,On themselves.If need be;Take a booster dose of Hepatitis B virus vaccine.

They will help others especially the little ones in protection against Hepatitis B by making sure those who haven’t completed the dosage,Do complete it.These people who are aware about Hepatitis B virus once infected will not spread it but seek treatment since in this presentation they will learn about the signs and symptoms.

How will this help the audience at their job?

Those teaching about viruses may get knowledge on how to handle the virus .

This research may be expanded on forexample changing the age bracket of the cohorts. Plus the region or area of study.

This work does provide practical solutions of preventing Hepatitis B virus by taking a booster dose.

This research is a foundation for all those who would like to take upon a similar topic.