*1Eya, N. J., 1Onyemelukwe, F. N., 2Chukwubike, M. C., and [1]Chukwukelu, N. V.
1Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria
2Molecular Virology Unit, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria
3Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria
*Correspondence to: nnennajuliet2017@gmail.com; +2348064519137
Abstract:
Background: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic pathogen with significant public health implications, particularly among pig handlers who are at increased risk due to occupational exposure. Despite the growing pig farming industry in Enugu State, Nigeria, awareness and preventive practices related to HEV remain poorly understood. This study assessed the knowledge and preventive measures of HEV among pig handlers in Enugu State, identifying key demographic factors influencing awareness and hygiene practices.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among pig handlers in three Local Government Areas (Nsukka, Enugu South, and Aninri), representing the three senatorial zones of Enugu State, Nigeria. Random sampling was used to recruit participants, and data were collected with structured questionnaires administered by investigators between December 2023 and March 2024. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS version 27 and results included descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression to determine associations between sociodemographic factors and HEV knowledge and preventive practices.
Results: Of the total 228 enrolled pig handlers, only 29.8% had good knowledge of HEV while 70.2% had poor knowledge. Educational level was a strong predictor of HEV knowledge, with poor knowledge of HEV being significantly higher among participants with secondary-level education (aOR=4.1, 95% CI=1.79–9.59, p=0.005). Gender was equally associated with HEV knowledge, with good knowledge of HEV being significantly lower among females compared to males (aOR=0.39, 95% CI=0.217-0.710, p=0.001). Age also influenced knowledge, with poor knowledge of HEV being significantly higher in older participants (41–50 years) (aOR=3.20, p=0.004) compared to younger handlers (≤30 years). Conversely, good preventive practices were significantly higher among females compared to males (aOR=2.47, 95% CI=1.418-4.329, p=0.001), and among married individuals (aOR=0.39, p=0.010) and those aged 31–40 years (aOR=0.027, 95% CI=0.07-0.54, p=0.004), while poor preventive practices/measures were significantly higher among participants with no formal education (aOR= 28.75, 95% CI=5.285-156.385), p=0.001).
Conclusion: This study highlights a critical gap in HEV knowledge and preventive practices among pig handlers in Enugu State, Nigeria. While education, gender and age significantly influenced HEV knowledge levels, preventive practices were significantly higher among female gender, married individuals and those with high educational levels. These findings underscore the need for targeted health education programs, improved biosecurity measures, and enhanced surveillance to mitigate HEV transmission risks in pig farming individuals and communities. These insights contribute to global HEV research and support policy recommendations for zoonotic disease prevention in occupational settings.
Keywords: Hepatitis E virus, Pig handlers, Zoonosis, Knowledge, Practice, Enugu State, Nigeria
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