Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV infections among prisoners in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 156 prisoners from January to June 2016. Socio-demographic and other data were collected using structured questionnaire. Antibodies against HCV and HIV, and hepatitis B surface antigens were determined in serum using ELISA techniques with commercial kits. Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess possible risk factors for the infections. Results: From the totally 156 participants, 145 (93.0%) were males and 11 (7.0%) were females. The seroprevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV was 5.8% (9), 2.6% (4), and 2.6% (4), respectively. None of the study subjects had co-infections. History of sexually transmitted diseases (AOR = 26.1, 95% CI: 1.17–58.3, P = 0.039) and tattooing (AOR = 9.3, 95% CI: 0.8–10.9, P = 0.05) was predictor of HIV seropositivity. Having multiple heterosexual partners was significantly associated with HBV infection (AOR = 0.056, 95% CI: 0.03–0.9, P = 0.044). None of the interviewed participants had practiced homosexuality. However, they heard that homosexuality was practiced in the prison. Conclusions: Intermediate prevalence of HBV and HCV was detected among prisoners in Jimma Town. However, HIV prevalence was higher than that of the national report. It is crucial to build a system for monitoring, surveillance and preventive public health strategies to minimize the risk factors and block transmission of these infections among prisoners.

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