Prevalence and Demographic Analysis of Hepatitis B and C in Different Sectors of Al-Anbar Governorate During 2024

Abstract

Background: The hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses are significant global health challenges. This is the first study covering the overall governorate to show the prevalence of the disease. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B and C among the Anbar population during 2024, and study the demographic distribution of the disease and some related expected risk factors. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analytic cross-sectional study was done on all sectors of Anbar province, the sample was selected randomly including all ages during the 2024 year. The data was recorded on files of the Anbar public health directorate. Files include data about age, gender, residence, and some expected related factors. Blood samples were studied for hepatitis B and C by rapid direct agglutination test, positive cases were sent for accuracy and re-examined by ELISA technique in a public health lab. Results: The total number of studied cases was 253572 persons with a male-to-female ratio (1.05:1). The proved hepatitis B was 585 (0.23%) patients, and hepatitis C was 151(0.06%) cases. Male cases were reported to be higher than females. Most of the patients in both types of infections were from middle-aged groups. Dental clinic visits and surgical procedures were the most expected risk factors. Most positive cases were reported in Ramadi and Fallujah cities in Anbar province. Conclusion: A high percentage of hepatitis B and C infections were reported last year, another study on areas of high infection rate is recommended. Sessions at health centers and on TV programs are necessary to educate families about the risk factors of the disease, the importance of vaccination, and how contacts can deal with their patients.