Frequency of Hepatic Steatosis among Patients with Hepatitis B Virus Infection at the Borgou-Alibori University Hospital, Benin, in 2025

Introduction: Hepatic steatosis is common among patients with hepatitis C virus infection. However, this comorbidity has not been adequately investigated in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of hepatic steatosis among patients with HBV infection in northern Benin in 2025. Methods: A cross-sectional study with prospective data collection was conducted between 7 May and 31 August 2025 at the Borgou-Alibori University Hospital (CHUD-B/A). Eligible participants were adults aged ≥ 18 years with chronic HBV infection who attended the Hepatology and Gastroenterology outpatient clinic and had completed the minimum required diagnostic work-up. The dependent variable was the presence of hepatic steatosis as diagnosed by abdominal ultrasonography. Results: Ninety-five patients were included, of whom 13 had hepatic steatosis, yielding a frequency of 13.7%. Their mean age was 43.8 ± 11.5 years. Nine patients (69.2%) were male, corresponding to a male-to-female ratio of 2.2. Eight patients (61.5%) resided in rural areas, and 10 (76.9%) did not engage in regular physical activity. Four patients (30.8%) were overweight, whereas seven (53.8%) were obese. Central obesity was present in 10 patients (76.9%). Conclusion: Hepatic steatosis is common among patients with HBV infection managed at the CHUD-B/A in northern Benin in 2025. A larger-scale study including a greater number of patients is warranted to clarify the relationship between HBV infection and hepatic steatosis and to identify factors independently associated with hepatic steatosis in this population.