Socio-professional Profile of Individuals Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Who Tested Positive for HBsAg At the Laboratory of the Regional Hospital of Faranah, Guinea, 2022

Co-infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) is a major public health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Knowledge of the socio-professional profiles of the individuals concerned is essential to strengthen appropriate prevention and treatment strategies. This study aimed to estimate the frequency of hepatitis B among people living with HIV at the Faranah Regional Hospital in 2022 and to identify the socio-professional factors associated with this co-infection. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 158 people living with HIV who were seen at the laboratory of the Faranah Regional Hospital between October and December 2022. We used the ‘SD-Bio line AgHBs’ immunochromatographic test for analysis. The data showed a seroprevalence of 18.82% for HIV/HBV co-infection, with a 95% confidence interval (CI): 12.82% - 25.02%. The median age was 32 years with an interquartile range of 17 years. Among the study population, women were the most co-infected (21.4%); the age group (adolescents, young people and adults) was the most affected with a rate of 93.3%; unmarried people predominated over married people with 60%; artisans and traders represented 63.3%. This study has enabled us to highlight the high prevalence of HIV/HBV co-infection and to understand the profiles of people living with HIV in Faranah. It would be crucial to implement effective diagnostic strategies in order to improve the quality of life of PLHIV in the Republic of Guinea.