Studies on Prevalence, Co-Infection and Associated Risk Factors of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Benue State, Nigeria

Background:  Benue State in Nigeria is facing growing adult morbidity and mortality from HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. Prevalence of HBV and HIV singly and concomitantly as well as the influence of some risk factors on the spread of HBV and HIV in some study groups was determine in Benue State.

Methods:  A total of 1535 serum samples was drawn randomly from consented volunteered participants and analyzed by ELISA (Kits- Diagnostic Automation/cortez Diagnostic, USA) for HBsAg. Antibodies to HIV 1 and 2 were detected in sera using Determine(Inverness Medical, Japan) and HIV1/2 Stat Pak test strips.  Data were analysed in SPSS version 20.0 and Chi square test was used to compare relationships.

Results: One hundred and eighty four (12.0%) had HBV current infection, 244 (15.9%) had HIV but 42 (2.7%) had both HBV and HIV infections. The two infections were strongly associated with each other (P=0.006) and each infection had a significant relationship with the groups studied (P=0.001 and P=0.000 for HBV and HIV respectively).  Our study identifies the drivers of HIV infection in Benue State to include, being a divorcee/having a separated marriage (P=0.000), Alcoholism (P=0.007), smoking (P=0.000), blood transfusion (P=0.000) or surgery (P=0.001). Awareness of the occurrence of HIV infection was inversely associated (P=0.000) with the prevalence of HIV infection in the study area.

Conclusions:  Programmes targeting behavioural change should not be restricted to major towns but should reach the hinterlands.