Abstract

PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS B SURFACE ANTIGEN AMONG PREMARITAL PEOPLE IN SULAIMANI / IRAQ

*Dr. Muthana A. Yassin, M.B.Ch.B. MD.

ABSTRACT

Background: The magnitude of chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) varies substantially between the countries. A better understanding of incidence and/ or prevalence of HBV infection and associated risk factors provides insight into the transmission of this infection in the community. Transmission of hepatitis B virus results from exposure to infectious blood or body fluids containing the virus. Possible forms of transmission include unprotected sexual contact, blood transfusions, re-use of contaminated needles, and vertical transmission from mother to child during childbirth. Objective: To know the prevalence of HBsAg among premarital people in Sulaimani province. And to identify the associated risk factors responsible for seropositivity. Patients and methods: This prospective study was conducted in the premarital consultation clinic in Sulaimani city from November 2008 to February 2009, including all premarital people from age 18 years and above of either sex. Results: The prevalence of HBsAg among premarital people was 0.67%. Equal number of both sexes was included in this study. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with an increased HBsAg risk were occupation, history of surgical operation, blood transfusion and tattooing. Conclusion: The prevalence of HBsAg among premarital people in Sulaimani province is lower than that previously reported, with male predominance. A positive relationship between HBsAg with occupation, history of surgical operation, blood transfusion and tattooing was reported.

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