[Prevalence and factors associated with hepatitis B and C among female sex workers in Bamako, Mali].

Abstract

Introduction: hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) are a public health problem, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In Mali, West Africa, few data exist on the prevalence of these infections among vulnerable groups such as female sex workers (FSWs) living or not with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This cross-sectional study conducted from March to October 2020 in Bamako, main city of Mali, among 400 FSWs (200 HIV+ and 200 HIV-) aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with HBs antigen on one hand and HCV antibodies on the other.

Methods: a questionnaire was administered, and blood and vaginal samples were collected. Prevalences are presented according to HIV status and multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the determinants of HBV and HCV.

Results: the prevalence of HBs antigen and HCV antibodies were 6.6% and 8.6% in HIV+ and 4.6% and 6.1% in HIV- women, respectively. In multivariate analyses, age at first paid sexual intercourse (< 18 years) and presence of HCV antibodies were strongly associated with HBV (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]; 95% Confidence interval [95%CI]: 3.3; 1.24-8.63 and 3.7; 1.21-11.54, respectively). Only HBs antigen was associated with HCV antibodies (aOR; 95%CI: 4.1; 1.29-12.56).

Conclusion: in Mali, the relatively high frequency of viral hepatitis B and C among FSWs requires a targeted prevention program.