The epidemiological aspects of hepatitis B virus in Iran

ObjectiveTo investigate the epidemiological features and demographic characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patients and the accurate incidence rates of HBV infection in Iran.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted using the data from Iranian National Hepatitis Registry Database. Based on the registered records of HBV patients during 2010-2012, the sample size of this study was 28 227. Data were analyzed to calculate the incidence of hepatitis B infection according to age, sex and region of residence in Iranian population during the period.ResultsThe average age of infected people was (39.7 ± 16.0) years and the mean annual incidence rate of the infection was 55.37 per 105 population. The highest incidence and frequency rates were in the 60-69 (23.0/105) and 20-29 (28.7%) age groups, respectively. The lowest incidence and frequency rates, regardless of age and sex, were in the age group under 10 years old. The incidence rate was almost the same in urban (18.7/105) and rural areas (17.5/105).ConclusionsHepatitis B prevention programs should focus more on people aged 20-40 years. Vaccination of people who are at risk of exposure to the virus should also be emphasized.