Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hepatitis B among HIV Positive Patients Receiving Haart at Federal Medical Centre Makurdi, Benue State: A Cohort Study

Abstract

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections have overlapping transmission and contribute significantly to the morbidity and mortality of HIV infected patients. This study aims to assess Hepatitis B prevalence among HIV positive patients on HAART at Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi. Methods: A total of 250 study participants were involved in a cohort study design using a consecutive sampling technique. A pre-tested structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic, risk factors from respondents in 3 months, from September to November 2023. While the prevalence of HBV co-infection was tested using Serum samples from individuals using VITROS HBsAg Reagent Pack (Ref 680 1322). Chi square was used to test association between socio-demographic and HBV/HIV co-infection. Binary regression analysis was used to test independent predictors of HBV co-infection. All test were carried out at 9% C.I using SPSS version 26.0. Results:  HBV/HIV co-infection rate was 14%, with a mean age of 44 years and a male to female sex ratio of 1:3. The findings further shows that prevalence was higher in respondents with low education level (17.9%), multiple sexual partners (31.0%), sharing of sharps/blades (25.9%), and alcohol use (31.0%) and were significant independent predictors of HBV/HIV co-infection. Low education level (COR=2.419), MSP (COR=3.600), Sharing of sharps/blades (COR=2.674), alcohol use (COR=3.271). Sex, age, religion, marital status, employment status, smoking and BMI were not significantly associated with HBV co-infection. Conclusion: The high frequency of HBV/HIV coinfection (14%) demonstrates the disease's endemicity and is, thus, a crucial indicator that needs to be taken into account. There is a need for enhanced public health awareness to address risk behaviors and promote health through widespread testing and immunizations.