Socio‐Economic and Geographic Factors in Liver Disease Progression Among Individuals With HIV–HBV Coinfection

ABSTRACT This commentary addresses the findings of a recent nationwide cohort study on risk factors for liver disease progression in individuals with HIV–HBV coinfection. The study identified smoking, excess body weight and HCV coinfection as important accelerators of hepatic deterioration, while traditional socio‐economic markers were not significant; urban residence appeared to be protective. We highlight the likely contributions of specialist resource density, surveillance intensity and multidimensional deprivation metrics in shaping these outcomes. The importance of guideline‐based antiretroviral therapy and outreach interventions, including smoking cessation and metabolic syndrome management, is also emphasised to address geographic and socio‐economic disparities. Future research should further investigate service utilisation and develop targeted strategies to promote equitable liver health in this vulnerable population.