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Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder associated with multiple complications, including increased susceptibility to infections of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV).The coexistence of diabetes and viral hepatitis poses significant clinical risks, potentially accelerating progression to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver-related mortality. This study investigated the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections among diabetic patients attending the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Nigeria. A hospital-based crosssectional design was employed, involving 200 diabetic patients recruited through purposive sampling. Venous blood samples were aseptically collected from each participants and spun at 3,000 rpm. The serum samples obtained were each screened for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and HCV antibodies using rapid chromatographic immunoassays with high sensitivity and specificity. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression. The overall prevalence of HBV infection was 2.0%, (P>0.023) while no HCV infection was detected. HBV prevalence showed no statistically significant association with demographic or clinical variables, though bivariate analysis suggested possible links with duration of diabetes, intravenous drug use, and invasive practices. The absence of HCV infection may reflect regional variability or low transmission risk in this population. Findings highlight a relatively low HBV prevalence compared to national estimates but underscore the need for routine hepatitis screening among diabetic patients, considering their increased vulnerability to chronic liver disease. Strengthening public health strategies through awareness, vaccination, and integration of viral hepatitis screening into diabetes care is recommended to reduce morbidity and mortality in this high-risk group.
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