Factors influencing hepatitis B virus infection among people, Sa Kaeo province

Abstract

 This case-control analytical study aimed to investigate factors influencing hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among people in Sa Kaeo Province. A total of 165 participants were recruited in the study, divided into the case group (55 individuals) and the control group (110 participants). The case group involved individuals with positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) screening results, confirmed physician diagnosis of HBV infection, and positive HBV DNA results. The control group comprising individuals with negative HBsAg screening results, no previous history of hepatitis B diagnosis and no history of completing hepatitis B vaccination regimen. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using multiple logistic regression at a significance level of 0.05. The results revealed that the most significant personal risk factor was receiving blood or undergoing surgery or receiving injections from a non-healthcare professional (adjusted odds ratio: AOR=10.98, 95% CI=2.70-44.60). Other important personal risk factors included having a chronic disease (AOR=4.30, 95% CI=1.74-10.63), using shared personal items (AOR=3.28, 95% CI=1.16-9.24), and getting tattoos or piercings (AOR=2.82, 95% CI=1.06-7.55). Protective factors were aged 35-44 years (AOR=0.23, 95% CI=0.06-0.83), which was also a pathogenic factor. Environmental factors did not have an influence on hepatitis B infection. Therefore, public health agencies should urgently develop mechanisms for strictly monitoring and controlling medical procedures or injections conducted by non-medical personnel. Furthermore, proactive HBV screening policies should be implemented for individuals with chronic diseases and high-risk behaviors. Raising public awareness and promoting behavioral change regarding the sharing of personal items, is essential to reduce the HBV transmission in the community.