Abstract / Summary
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major global public health concern and a leading cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Sub-Saharan Africa bears a disproportionately high burden of HBV infection. Long-distance truck drivers may be exposed to factors associated with HBV transmission because of prolonged periods away from home, sexual behaviours, and limited access to healthcare services. Despite this, evidence on hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity and associated factors among this occupational group in Tanzania is limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HBsAg positivity and associated factors among long-distance truck drivers at Tunduma Border Post, Tanzania. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 396 long-distance truck drivers aged 18 years and above at Tunduma One-Stop Border Post, Songwe Region, southwestern Tanzania. Data on sociodemographic, behavioural, occupational, and health-related characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire administered through Kobo Toolbox. Blood samples were tested for HBsAg using Abbott Determine™ HBsAg rapid diagnostic tests. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression assessed factors associated with HBsAg positivity. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% CIs were reported. Among the 396 participants, the median age was 37.5 years (IQR: 13), and 308 (77.8%) were married. A total of 26 (6.6%; 95% CI: 4.3–9.5%) participants were HBsAg-positive. In multivariable analysis, reporting more than five sexual partners in the previous 12 months was independently associated with higher odds of HBsAg positivity compared with reporting five or fewer partners during the same period (AOR 2.780, 95% CI: 1.120–6.901; p = 0.028). Transit time exceeding 60 days was also independently associated with higher odds of HBsAg positivity compared with transit time of 0–30 days (AOR 4.624, 95% CI: 1.707–12.520; p = 0.003). HBsAg positivity was observed among long-distance truck drivers at Tunduma Border Post. Reporting more than five sexual partners in the previous 12 months and longer transit time were independently associated with HBsAg positivity. Strengthening hepatitis B vaccination, screening, confirmatory testing, and linkage to appropriate care at border posts and other major transport points may improve prevention and early detection among this mobile occupational population.