Prevalence of hepatitis B virus and associated factors among patients attending outpatient department at public hospitals in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

Hepatitis B virus infection remains a major public health problem in Ethiopia. This study determined the prevalence of HBV infection and associated factors among patients attending outpatient departments at public hospitals in Bahir Dar, northwest Ethiopia. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2026 among 422 outpatient attendees in public hospitals in Bahir Dar. Participants were systematically selected at approximately every second attendance following a random start. Sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical data were collected, and venous blood samples were tested for HBsAg using the SNIBE Maglumi analyzer. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Variables with p < 0.25 in bivariable analysis were entered into multivariable logistic regression, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. HBV prevalence was 12.32% (95% CI: 9.18–15.46%). Factors associated with HBV infection included age ≥ 35 years (AOR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.01–5.27), divorced/widowed status (AOR = 3.14; 95% CI: 1.35–5.80), no formal education (AOR = 3.04; 95% CI: 1.36–5.62), jaundice (AOR = 2.84; 95% CI: 1.26–5.21), dark urine (AOR = 3.25; 95% CI: 2.31–6.14), right upper quadrant pain (AOR = 5.16; 95% CI: 2.83–8.64), blood transfusion history (AOR = 2.45; 95% CI: 1.23–4.71), sharing sharp materials (AOR = 1.68; 95% CI: 1.04–3.23), history of sexually transmitted infections (AOR = 3.62; 95% CI: 2.16–5.37), non-use of condoms (AOR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.06–3.25), and alcohol consumption (AOR = 2.16; 95% CI: 1.08–3.24). Vaccination was associated with lower odds of infection (AOR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.28–0.84). HBV infection remains a substantial public health concern among outpatient attendees in Bahir Dar. Strengthening vaccination, targeted screening, health education, safer sexual practices, and infection-prevention measures may help reduce HBV transmission and improve linkage to care.