The Epidemiology of HBsAg Positive Cases Babol, Iran

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B is a risk factor for cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Epidemiological study of patients with hepatitis B can provide valuable information for thoughtful healthcare planning. This study was made to evaluate the epidemiology of the hepatitis B virus infection in Babol Iran. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. The study sample consisted of all individuals who had been diagnosed with hepatitis B in 2010 - 2016 and their hepatitis-related information were available from the hepatitis B assessment forms in the Health Administration of Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran. Study data were retrieved from the already completed forms. Results: A total of 567 hepatitis B forms had been completed in 2010 - 2016. Among 567 individuals, 373 cases (65.8%) were male and 194 (34.2%) were female. Individuals were mostly married and rural dwellers. The age group with the highest frequency was 25 - 35. Most men were self-employed, while most women were housewives. The most important reasons behind the hepatitis B surface antigen testing among women and men were pregnancy and the availability of hepatitis B risk factors, respectively. Around 91.5% of participants had not received a hepatitis B vaccine at all, 3.2% had received it incompletely, and 5.3% completely. Conclusion: Hepatitis B is more common among married, middle-aged, males, as well as rural dwellers. Continuous follow-up assessment, lifestyle education, and complete hepatitis B vaccination are essential for effective hepatitis B prevention.