Adeyemi OA, Itanyi IU, Ozigbu CE, et al.
Sub-Saharan Africa is home to the majority of people living with HIV globally, a substantial share of whom are co-infected with hepatitis B virus, raising particular concern for mother-to-child transmission of both infections. This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence and determinants of hepatitis B among 6,577 HIV-positive women aged 18-45 in Benue State, Nigeria, using rapid hepatitis B surface antigen testing alongside demographic and clinical questionnaires. The prevalence of hepatitis B was 10.3%, with age, parity, and partner HIV status significantly associated with infection; younger women and those without prior pregnancies had elevated odds of infection. The authors conclude that these findings indicate an urgent need for hepatitis B testing, vaccination, and treatment programs targeting this vulnerable population in resource-limited settings.
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