A study on risk factors of chronic hepatitis B carriers

Introduction and objective: Hepatitis B is a disease of public health importance in Iran. The aim of this study was to evaluate some possible risk factors for the spread of hepatitis B infection from the hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among chronic HBV individuals who referred to gastrointestinal department, Imam Khomeini hospital, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of medical sciences from October 2009 to June 2010. All subjects were evaluated using a face-to-face questionnaire about demographic aspects. The analysis included data on past medical history, physical examination and periodic evaluation clinically and serologically. The control group consisted of the patients referred to the gastrointestinal clinics with negative HBV serologic markers of HBV infection. The risk factors among infected subjects (HBV-positive) were compared to those of subjects never exposed (HBV-negative) to HBV.

Results: A total of 560 subjects were studied for HBV, of which 272 were HBV-positive and 288 HBV negative cases comprised the control group. Mean age of the patients was 35±9 years. HBV-positive subjects were more likely to be of female gender (61.39% versus 41.31%, P<0.0001). Endoscopy 54.77%, major surgery 44.48%, and tattooing history 8.45% were found to be independent risk factors of being chronically infected with hepatitis B virus.

Conclusion: Our data indicate that a history of endoscopy, major surgery and tattooing are important risk factors for spreading of HBV infection.

Significance and impact of the study: Improvements in certain lifestyle patterns and customs in this area may be essential to prevent transmission of the infection.