MULTIVARIABLE MODELLING OF PREDICTORS OF HEPATITIS C VIRUS SEROPOSITIVITY IN HIV-INFECTED INDIVIDUALS IN NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigates the co-infection of HCV and its risk factors amongst HIV-positive patients in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Consenting HIV-positive individuals (n=188) from the HAART clinic at Sobi Specialist Hospital participated. Data was collected via structured questionnaire while Anti-HCV antibodies were determined via a 3rd-generation ELISA kit (Diagnostic Automation Inc., USA). SPSS version 21 and R-Studio 4.5.1 were used for the data analysis and multivariable logistic regression model analysis after adjusting for confounding variables at p≤ 0.05 and 95%CI for statistical significance. Participants average was 31.47±7.79 years comprising 41.5% and 58.5%. HCV seropositivity was 8.5%. Significant association with HCV infection included age (p < 0.001-AOR:4.28-CI:1.82-10.13) and marital status (p=0.026-AOR:2.65-CI:1.14-6.18). Clinically, history of jaundice (p=0.028- AOR:3.45-CI:1.09-10.84) and recent blood transfusion (p = 0.030) were also significant risk factors; whereas, surgery, tattooing, homosexual practices, and injection drug use were not. HCV-positivity was common among participants with low CD4 counts (<500 cells/mm³) at p=0.94). Similarly, anti-retroviral therapy (ART) duration showed no significant association to HCV status. This study confirms the occurrence of HIV/HCV co-infection in Ilorin, emphasizing the roles of specific sociodemographic and clinical variables. Routine HCV screening within HIV care is recommended to enable early diagnosis, optimize management and improve patient outcomes.