Abstract
Introduction
In 2022, 254 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B, and 1.1 million deaths were estimated globally, mostly due to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. High-risk populations, mainly pregnant women (PWs) and people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), are more vulnerable, leading to further transmission and developing the complications. In Cambodia, as available epidemiological data are scarce, we aimed to describe the burdens, genotypes and factors associated with HBV infection among PW and PLWHA.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study involving secondary data analysis of 935 (PW: 425, PLWHA: 510) participants from an integrated bio-behavioral survey collected in four provinces between March and April 2016. Socio-demographic data, history of previous exposure, and HBV serological and genotyping results were described using descriptive statistics as appropriate. The prevalence of HBV was reported with 95% CI across independent variables. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were then computed to identify risk factors for HBV infection.
Results
The prevalence of HBV among PW and PLWHA were 6.1% [95% CI: 4.2–8.5] and 10.4% [95% CI: 7.6–13.7], respectively. Genotype C was predominantly reported, followed by genotype B, in both populations. According to multivariate logistic analysis, PW aged ≥30 years were significantly more likely to have HBV infection (AOR=2.4, 95% CI: 1.1–5.6) than those aged <30 years were. Compared with those who had never migrated, PLWHA who reported residential mobility had almost double the odds of HBsAg positivity (AOR=1.95, 95% CI: 1.0-3.7).
Conclusion
This study reports high seroprevalence in PW and PLWHA and a prevalent circulating genotype C and B. HBV screening during ANC visits is recommended, mainly for older age groups, to provide antiviral prophylaxis to prevent further transmission. PLWHA who reported previous residential mobility could be targeted for HBV investigation to provide early management to ensure the effectiveness of HIV treatment and prevent liver-related complications.