Burden and risk factors of hepatitis B and C virus infections among hospital and community populations in North-Central Nigeria

Chronic viral hepatitis due to hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a significant global public health problem and a leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. In Nigeria, including Nasarawa State, a substantial burden persists; however, data on prevalence and associated risk factors across community- and facility-based populations remain limited. This study assessed the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections and identified associated risk factors among adults in community-based (Lafia and Akwanga) and facility-based (Keffi) populations in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 852 adults recruited from three distinct study settings in Nasarawa State, North-Central Nigeria: a tertiary healthcare facility population at the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, and two community-based populations in Akwanga and Lafia Local Government Areas (284 participants per study setting). Socio-demographic, behavioural, healthcare-related, and household exposure data were collected using structured questionnaires. Participants were screened using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), followed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which served as the reference standard for infection classification. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26.0, applying descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis (crude odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals), and multivariable logistic regression (adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals), with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Prevalence estimates were disaggregated by study setting (community-based versus facility-based populations). The overall PCR-confirmed prevalence of HBV was 12.91% (community: 11.80%; facility: 15.14%), while HCV prevalence was 7.04% (community: 5.28%; facility: 10.56%). No statistically significant difference was observed in HBV prevalence between community and facility populations (χ² = 1.86; p = 0.206), whereas HCV prevalence was significantly higher among facility-based participants (χ² = 7.028; p = 0.007). Factors independently associated with HBV infection included sharing of personal hygiene items (AOR = 1.73; 95% CI: 1.06–2.70; p = 0.040) and history of sexually transmitted infections (AOR = 2.47; 95% CI: 1.38–4.42; p = 0.030). For HCV, history of blood transfusion was independently associated with infection (AOR = 2.11; 95% CI: 1.04–4.31; p = 0.040). HBV and HCV infections remain prevalent in both community- and facility-based populations in Nasarawa State. The identified behavioural and healthcare-related exposures are associated with infection, highlighting the need for expanded vaccination programmes, routine hepatitis screening, community education, strengthened infection prevention and control measures. Targeted, context-specific public health interventions are required to support prevention, early detection, and management of viral hepatitis and contribute to Nigeria’s 2030 viral hepatitis elimination goals. Not applicable.