A STUDY ON THE PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS AND HIV CO-INFECTION AMONG PRISONERS
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Abstract
Background: The HBV/HIV co-infection rate among prisoners varies widely and shows a tendency to increase. The prison population has a particularly high risk of HIV infection due to risk factors present both prior to and during incarceration. Identifying associated risk factors to implement appropriate interventions is critically important in correctional settings. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and associated factors of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HIV co-infection among inmates at Thu Duc Prison, C10 Department, Ministry of Public Security in 2025–2026. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 433 inmates serving sentences at Thu Duc Prison, C10 Department, during 2025–2026. Results: The HBV/HIV coinfection rate was 8.5%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified several associated factors: aged ≥40 years had a higher likelihood of co-infection (aOR = 7.882; 95% CI: 3.506– 17.724; p < 0.001). Male inmates had a higher co-infection rate (aOR = 6.797; 95% CI: 2.263–20.414; p = 0.001). Participants with education level ≥ lower secondary school had higher odds of co-infection (aOR = 3.385; 95% CI: 1.507–7.605; p = 0.003). Inmates who shared nail-clipping tools had a significantly higher co-infection rate compared with those who did not share such items (aOR = 11.548; 95% CI: 3.476–38.368; p < 0.001). Participants reporting sexual activity within the prison had markedly higher odds of co-infection compared with those without such behavior (aOR = 101.369; 95% CI: 7.111–1445.11; p = 0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of HBV/HIV co-infection was 8.5%. Routine HBV and HIV screening should be implemented for all inmates, with priority given to highrisk groups, including individuals aged ≥40 years, males, those with education level ≥ lower secondary school, and inmates with a history of sexual activity in prison.
Keywords
HIV, hepatitis B, injection drug use, HBV/HIV co-infection
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