Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Genital Herpes: A 5-Year Retrospective Study

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Published: 2026-07-22
DOI: https://doi.org/10.71637/tnhj.v26i2.1413
Keywords:
Genital herpes, prevalence, risk factors, Herpes simplex virus-2, sexually transmitted infections

Main Article Content

Abednego Samuel Dahal
Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Jos, P.M.B.2084, Jos Plateau State, Nigeria.
Ukingat Mahan Mahanan
Department of Medical Microbiology, Jos University Teaching Hospital. P.M.B. 2076, Jos Plateau State, Nigeria.
Johnson Okoh Okidu,
Department of Medical Microbiology, Jos University Teaching Hospital. P.M.B. 2076, Jos Plateau State, Nigeria.
Joy MC Thomas
Department of Medical Microbiology, Jos University Teaching Hospital. P.M.B. 2076, Jos Plateau State, Nigeria
Akogwu Ernest Oteikwu
Department of Medical Microbiology, Jos University Teaching Hospital. P.M.B. 2076, Jos Plateau State, Nigeria.
Reward Audu
Department of Medical Microbiology, Jos University Teaching Hospital. P.M.B. 2076, Jos Plateau State, Nigeria.
Nanret Kyeswet Suchi
Department of Medical Microbiology, Jos University Teaching Hospital. P.M.B. 2076, Jos Plateau State, Nigeria.
Nakah Joseph Nababa
Department of Medical Microbiology, Jos University Teaching Hospital. P.M.B. 2076, Jos Plateau State, Nigeria
Yadang Dasohot Maktep
Department of Medical Microbiology, Jos University Teaching Hospital. P.M.B. 2076, Jos Plateau State, Nigeria
Mershak Pangam Prosper
Department of Medical Microbiology, Jos University Teaching Hospital. P.M.B. 2076, Jos Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused predominantly by herpes simplex virus type 2, contributing significantly to global sexual and reproductive health burden. It is associated with recurrent lesions, increased risk of HIV infection, and psychosocial distress. 


Objective: This study determined the prevalence and associated risk factors of genital herpes among patients attending a special treatment clinic in a tertiary health facility over a five-year period.


Methodology: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using medical records of 526 patients managed for sexually transmitted infections between January 2021 and December 2025. The diagnosis of genital herpes was based on clinical evaluation. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviour, and clinical diagnosis were extracted into an Excel spreadsheet for analysis.


Results: The prevalence of genital herpes was 16.0% (84/526). Significant associations were found with age (χ² = 39.085, p < 0.001), with higher prevalence among individuals aged 50-59 years, and sex with a higher prevalence observed among males in this study. Participants’ occupation also demonstrated significant association, particularly among civil servants and business individuals. History of multiple sexual partners and HIV infections were strong risk factors in this study. Marital status and educational level showed no significant association.


Conclusion: Genital herpes remains relatively prevalent, with key associations linked to demographic and behavioral factors. Targeted interventions, including behavioral change strategies, sexually transmitted infections screening, and public health education, are essential to reduce transmission.

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Article Details

Issue

Vol. 26 No. 2 (2026): June

Section

Original Articles
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How to Cite

Dahal, A., Mahanan, U., Okidu, J., Thomas, J., Oteikwu, A., Audu, R., Suchi, N. ., Nababa, N., Maktep, Y., & Prosper, M. (2026). Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Genital Herpes: A 5-Year Retrospective Study. The Nigerian Health Journal, 26(2), 928 – 935. https://doi.org/10.71637/tnhj.v26i2.1413

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