Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus and HIV Coinfection Among Patients Attending Makeni Regional Hospital, Sierra Leone

Hepatitis B virus and human immunodeficiency virus coinfection continues to pose a significant public health burden in Sub Saharan Africa because both infections share similar routes of transmission and worsen clinical outcomes. This study examined the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection, human immunodeficiency virus infection, and their coinfection among patients attending Makeni Regional Hospital in Sierra Leone. A hospital based cross sectional study design was employed, using secondary data obtained from blood donor records. A total of one hundred and sixty four participants were randomly selected from records covering the period from January to December two thousand and nineteen. Sociodemographic characteristics and infection status were assessed using descriptive analysis, while associations were explored using inferential statistical testing. The prevalence of hepatitis B virus and human immunodeficiency virus coinfection was found to be fifteen point two percent. Coinfection was more commonly observed among young adults and students, and occupation showed a statistically significant relationship with coinfection status. No significant associations were identified for age, sex, marital status, or blood group. These findings underscore the importance of integrated screening services, focused preventive interventions, and the expansion of hepatitis B vaccination programs in Sierra Leone.