Hepatitis B Vaccination Rates and Risk Factors Affecting Vaccine Response in People Living with HIV in Turkey

Introduction:: HIV–HBV coinfection is common among individuals living with HIV; therefore, hepatitis B vaccination is recommended. However, vaccine response rates in people living with HIV are lower than those observed in the healthy population. The aim of this study was to determine HBV vaccination rates and identify risk factors affecting vaccine response in people living with HIV. materials and methods: Our study was a multicenter, observational retrospective study. Our Patients over the age of 18 years who diagnosed with HIV infection and followed up for at least 6 months between January 2018 and January 2024, who were screened for HBV for HBsAg, AntiHBc-IgG, AntiHBs serology, and who were tested for AntiHBs at least 4-8 weeks after completing the HBV vaccination scheme were included in our study. Materials and Methods:: This multicenter, observational, retrospective study included patients over 18 years of age who were diagnosed with HIV infection and followed for at least six months between January 2018 and January 2024. Patients were screened for HBV using HBsAg, Anti-HBc IgG, and Anti-HBs serology, and Anti-HBs levels were measured at least 4–8 weeks after completion of the HBV vaccination schedule. results: Of 811 people living with HIV, 274 who met the study criteria were included in our study. The median age of peoples living with HIV was 37.5 years (minimum: 18-maximum: 75) and 85% were male. The hepatitis B vaccination rate in people living with HIV was 33.7%. After the HBV vaccination schedule, vaccine response (AntiHBs ≥10 IU/L) was detected in 73.4% of people. HIV RNA level at the time of HBV vaccination, hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were found to be independent risk factors affecting vaccine response (p=0.005, p=0.016, p=0.026). Results:: Of 811 people living with HIV, 274 met the inclusion criteria. The median age was 37.5 years (range: 18–75), and 85% were male. The hepatitis B vaccination rate in this cohort was 33.7%. Following the HBV vaccination schedule, vaccine response (Anti-HBs ≥10 IU/L) was observed in 73.4% of individuals. Hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were identified as independent risk factors affecting vaccine response (p = 0.016 and p = 0.026, respectively). Conclusion:: Vaccine response was found to be lower in individuals with hypertension and COPD. These factors should be considered when administering the hepatitis B vaccine to people living with HIV to improve immunization outcomes. conclusion: In our study, vaccine response was found to be low in the presence of high HIV RNA levels at the time of vaccination, hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These factors should be taken into consideration when administering hepatitis B vaccination to people living with HIV.