Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection among people Living with HIV Attending at the Dangila Health Center, Northwest Ethiopia

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infection remains a significant cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV/AIDS. Shared transmission routes increase the risk of co-infection, and HIV accelerates the progression of HBV-related liver disease despite widespread antiretroviral therapy (ART).  However, there is limited up-to-date evidence on the seroprevalence and associated factors of HBV among HIV patients in the study area.

Objective: To assess the seroprevalence of HBV infection and identify associated risk factors among adults living with HIV attending at the Dangila Health Center, Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June to August 2020 among 384 HIV-positive adults. Socio-demographic, behavioral, and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire and medical record review. Serum samples were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibodies using rapid test kits. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors independently associated with HBV infection. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The prevalence of HBV infection was 4.4% (17/384), indicating intermediate endemicity. No HCV infection was detected. In multivariate analysis, history of tooth extraction (AOR=3.17; 95% CI: 1.03–9.82), sexually transmitted diseases (AOR=3.53; 95% CI: 1.09–11.47), and multiple sexual partners (AOR=9.68; 95% CI: 2.45–38.24) were independently associated with HBV infection.

Conclusion: HBV co-infection remains a public health concern among HIV-positive individuals in this setting. Routine HBV screening, vaccination, and targeted behavioral interventions should be strengthened within HIV care programs.