Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C virus among clinically suspected patients visiting Guhalla Primary Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract Background Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis C virus remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in countries with limited resources. The two hepatitropic viruses have common mode of transmission. Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis C virus are the main causes of Cirrhosis, liver cancer and death.Therefore,the aim of this study was to determine the Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis C virus among clinically suspected patients at Guhalla Primary Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A hospital-based retrospective study was conducted at Guhalla Primary Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. The study included serology registration logbook data from all patients who visited the hospital and were tested using a rapid test kit between September 1st, 2017 to August 30, 2021. Data were entered, cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS version 26 software. Bivariate analysis was computed and a multivariable analysis was conducted to provide an adjusted odds ratio (AOR). P-value < 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant. Results In this study, a total of 883(883 for HBV and 366 for HCV) study participants were included. The overall prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV were 124/883(14%) and 73/366 (19.9%), respectively. The prevalence of HBV and HCV among males from the total HBV and HCV screened was 70/410 (17.1%) and 53/366(14.4%) respectively. In this study, Being female (AOR = 1.53, 95%CI = 1.03–2.27, p = 0.003) and age group of 31–40 years (AOR:2.85;95% CI: 1.56,5.17, p = 0.001) were statistically significant factors to HBV infection. Similarly, being female (AOR = 1.97, 95%CI = 1.10–3.53, p = 0.02), age group of 21–30 years (AOR:2.71;95% CI: 1.15,6.40, p = 0.02) and age group greater than 40 years (AOR:3.13;95% CI: 1.31,7.44, p = 0.01) were significantly associated with HCV infection. Conclusion and recommendation : In our study, High seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infection was detected among clinically suspected patients. Females and the age groups between 31–40 were more affected. Community awareness of the prevention and transmission of viral hepatitis infection should be strengthened through herd immunization and health education. The prospect study should be conducted in this area.