The Incidence of Hepatitis A and the Variables Influencing the Outbreak in Southwest Iran Over Ten Years (2013 - 2023)

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis is a widespread inflammation of liver parenchyma cells, possibly due to infectious or non-infectious factors. In acute hepatitis A, humans are the only known reservoir of this virus. Methods: This paper provides an overview of the current knowledge regarding the prevalence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) viruses in the Khuzestan region. The present study, a retrospective descriptive study, was conducted on cases of hepatitis A diagnosed in health centers of Khuzestan province (information recorded in the Non-communicable Diseases Unit of the Health Deputy) between 2013 and 2023. Results: The number of samples, type of health treatment centers, different urban and rural areas, age, gender, history of contact with infected animals, place of residence, occupation, economic status, education, and other relevant factors were recorded. The cities of Karun, Karkheh, and Andika accounted for the highest rates of infection, with 124, 113, and 35 cases, respectively. The lowest rates were in Bandar Mahshahr, Izeh, Masjid Suleiman, and Omidiyeh, each reporting just one case. Most of the people who had hepatitis were students. The number of students with hepatitis was 199, which constituted 52% of the infected; this means that more than half of the patients were students. Conclusions: The findings of this study showed that villagers are more at risk than urban residents due to a lack of access to sanitary water. Also, men had a higher incidence than women, and singles more than married people.