Sero-prevalence of HBV and associated risk factors among HIV positive individuals attending ART clinic at Mekelle hospital, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. Issue 1 (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Weldemhret, Letebrhan; Asmelash, Tsehaye; Belodu, Rashmi; Gebreegziabiher, Dawit
• Is Part Of: AIDS research and therapy. Volume 13:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 7
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: HBV -- HBsAg sero-prevalence -- Associated risk factors; AIDS (Disease) -- Periodicals; 616.9792005
• DOI: 10.1186/s12981-016-0090-2
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1742-6405

Abstract

Abstract Background Because of the shared mean of transmission, hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of an important cause of co-morbidity and mortality in peoples living with HIV/AIDS. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the sero-prevalence of HBV infection and associated risk factors in HIV/AIDS positive individuals attending ART clinic at Mekelle hospital, Mekelle, Northern Ethiopia. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted from August to October 2014 in HIV/AIDS positive adult individuals. Socio-demographic data and other explanatory variables were collected from 508 study participants using pre-tested and structured questionnaire-based interviews. Serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was detected using commercially available rapid test and third generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Bivariate and multivariate analysis, using SPSS V.20.0, were performed to assess the variables associated with HBV infection andP value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results A total of 508 study participants, 305 females and 203 males were included in this study with the mean (+SD) age of 37.8 + 9.6. The sero-prevalence of HBsAg was 5.9 %. Male gender (AOR = 2.6, 95 % CI 1.2–5.7), multiple sexual partners (AOR = 4.2, 95 % CI 1.3–13.1) and CD4 count <200 cells/μl (AOR = 3.5, 95 % CI 1.1–11.2) were significantly associated with HBsAg positivity. Conclusion The prevalence of HBsAg was similar to the general population. However, HIV/AIDS positive individuals with reduced CD4 count, <200 cells/μl, showed a significant association with HBsAg seropositivity. Therefore, we recommended, all HIV/AIDS positive individuals should be screened for HBsAg during their follow for better treatment outcome and minimize risks of HBV transmission.