Incidence rate of hepatitis B infection in provinces of Iran

ObjectiveTo investigate the epidemiological features and demographic characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infected patients and to estimate the province-specific incidence rates of HBV infection in Iran.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted using the data provided by the National Hepatitis Registry database. According to the data registered at the database during 2010–2012, 28 227 persons were reported with confirmed positive HBV test results. Data were analyzed by SPSS 18 software using descriptive statistics to calculate the province-specific incidence of HBV infection according to age, sex and region of residence of the target populations.ResultsThe incidence rate of HBV infection was lower than 15 per 100 000 inhabitants in four provinces. This rate was between 15/100 000–25/100 000 in 17 provinces and higher than 25/100 000 population in five provinces. The incidence rate of HBV infection was highest in Yazd and lowest in Gilan Provinces. In most provinces, the incidence rate of hepatitis B among men was higher than women. In all provinces, the incidence of hepatitis B was lowest in the under 10-year-old group and highest in the 60–69-year-old group.ConclusionsConsidering the large number of population at risk, hepatitis B prevention policies should focus on persons aged 20–49 years, with an emphasis on health education programs regarding the routes of exposure to HBV as well as vaccination of the high risk groups.