Abstract: Journal of Infectious Diseases and Viruses Research

Abstract:
Introduction: Individuals who are at high risk of acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are also considered high risk of other sexually transmitted infections including hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection. Worldwide, there have been 10.6 million cases recorded for hepatitis B alone and 615,000 for hepatitis C, with total chronic cases of more than 11 million people for the year 2022. This study aimed to determine the incidence density and risk factors of Hepatitis B and/or Hepatitis C coinfection among HIV patients enrolled at the treatment hub of Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC).

Methods: A retrospective cross sectional study was conducted among newly enrolled HIV patients at EVMC for the last 3 years. Data collection form was used to extract pertinent information. Chi-Square test of independence was used to analyze the association of variables in the socio-demographic and clinical profile to the occurrence of hepatitis B and/or C co-infection.

Results: Included were 65 patients. The incidence density of Hepatitis B Co-infection was generally low at 7.69%, Hepatitis C Co-infection at 1.54%, and both Hepatitis B and C coinfection at 1.54%. Educational attainment and the history of intravenous illicit drug use had statistically significant correlation with the occurrence of hepatitis co-infection (p value=0.001).

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the incidence density of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Hepatitis B and C co-infection are low. The results however only depended on the available laboratory results upon enrollment hence some cases with incomplete Hepatitis profile were excluded. It can also be concluded that educational attainment remains to be significant risk factor that can affect the occurrence of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C co-infection or both while history of Illicit drug use is a significant risk factor for Hepatitis C co-infection alone.