Prevalence of Hepatitis B Co-infection with HIV/AIDS: A Three-Year Retrospective Study at Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo.

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) co-infection is common and
constitutes a significant global public health burden, particularly in regions with high HIV prevalence. This
increases the risk of complications and mortality among people living with HIV. Despite the international concern,
there is a paucity of data on HBV co-infection among individuals living with HIV who attend the HIV clinic at the
Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), Benue State, Nigeria. This study aims to determine the
prevalence of HBV co-infection among HIV-infected individuals receiving care at the FUHSO HIV/AIDS clinic.
Methods: A retrospective study design was employed for this study, conducted between December 2021 and
November 2024. Overall, 3000 case files were reviewed (150, 600, 850, and 1400 in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024,
respectively). Individuals with incomplete clinical records were excluded from the study. Results: Three thousand
(3000) case files were analyzed, and the overall prevalence of Hepatitis B Co-infection amongst the HIV patients
enrolled in the study was 10.3% (310/3000). The prevalence was higher in females (6.9%) than in males (3.1%).
The relationship between the age of patients and the HIV/HBV Co-infection was statistically significant.
Conclusion: Though our study indicates a low prevalence of Hepatitis B co-infection in HIV infected people in our
center, reduction of the rate is still strongly necessary. Reduction can be achieved by solidification of the uptake of
the Hepatitis B vaccine.