Seroepidemiology of HBV Infection in Kermanshah- West of Iran; A Population Based Study

Background: hepatitis b virus (hbv) infection is a major public health problem that affectsbillions of people worldwide. the lack of information on hbv prevalence amongthe general population is an obstacle to formulate effective policies to reduce the burdenof viral hepatitis.objectives: this population based serological survey was conducted in kermanshahprovince to determine the local prevalence and risk factors of hbv infection.patients and methods: 1979 healthy subjects were selected from all districts of kermanshahprovince (in the west of iran) using random cluster sampling. subjects between 6 and65 years of age were included with mean age of 35 ± 13. serum samples were tested for hbcab,hbsag and anti-hdv antibody. to carry out lab tests the third generation of elisa was used.various risk factors were recorded and multivariate analysis was performed.results: the prevalence of hbsag and hbcab in kermanshah was 0.75% (95% ci 0.44; 1.21)and 8.28% (95% ci 7.13; 9.56), respectively. one case of hdv-ab was found. predictors ofhbsag or hbcab in multivariate analysis were: old age, being male, history of tattooingand history of dental procedure.conclusions: approximately 8% and less than 1% of general population in kermanshahare hbcab seropositive and active carriers of hbv infection, respectively. age, sex andhistory of tattoo and dental procedures are major risk factors of hbv seropositivity inthis province.