the epidemiology of hbsag positive cases babol, iran

Background: hepatitisbis 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.