Prevalence and Spectrum of Chronic Liver Disease Among Patients Seeking Health Care in Ghana.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Chronic liver diseases (CLD) leading to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa and pose a significant burden on its health care systems. We aimed to elucidate the prevalence of fibrosis/cirrhosis in patients seeking health care in Kumasi, Ghana, and its underlying aetiologies.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we performed sonography, transient elastography as well as biochemical and virological analyses.

Results

Transient elastography indicated fibrosis/cirrhosis in 24.5% (113/461) of participants. Liver cirrhosis was significantly associated with known hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, lack of formal education, hospitalisation, and male sex. Prevalence of active hepatitis B was significantly h

SUBMITTER: Lehmann F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12905631 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature