Prevalence of HBV and HCV Co-Infection with HIV Among Women Seeking Abortion Care at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Dessie, Ethiopia

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are major causes of chronic infections and significant public health challenges, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Co-infection of HIV with HBV or HCV leads to accelerated disease progression and increased morbidity. Women seeking abortion care represent a population at higher risk of exposure to these infections due to unsafe procedures and multiple sexual exposures. Aims to determine the prevalence and associated factors of HBV and HCV co-infection with HIV among women seeking abortion care at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Dessie, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from August to November 2025 among 146 women seeking abortion care. Socio-demographic, behavioral, and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Blood samples were tested for HBsAg, anti-HCV, and HIV antibodies using rapid tests confirmed by ELISA. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Logistic regression was applied to identify risk factors, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The overall prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV infections were 6.2% , 2.1% , and 3.4% , respectively. Co-infections were observed in 1.4% (HBV/HIV) and 0.7% (HCV/HIV) of participants. Multiple sexual partners (AOR = 4.5; 95% CI: 1.5–13.7), unsafe abortion history (AOR = 3.21; 95% CI: 1.12–9.17), and needle injury (AOR = 3.8; 95% CI: 1.08–10.21) were significantly associated with infection. Conclusion: HBV, HCV, and HIV infections remain prevalent among women seeking abortion care in Dessie. Strengthening routine screening, vaccination, and health education is recommended to prevent co-infection and improve maternal health.