Temporal Dynamics of Hepatitis B Infection and Relation of Childhood Vaccination Program in Türkiye: A Longitudinal Study.

Abstract

Objective: Hepatitis B is a significant infectious disease on a global scale. The implementation of vaccination programs and other preventive measures (e.g., serologic screening of blood donors) leads to lower rates of new infections with the hepatitis B virus. This study aimed to investigate and compare the evolution of hepatitis B incidence, prevalence and mortality rates along with vaccination rates in Türkiye and worldwide between 1990 and 2019.

Materials and methods: The study analyzed open datasets (the Global Burden of Disease and Our World in Data) using descriptive and joinpoint regression analysis to uncover substantial declines in hepatitis B rates from 1990 to 2019, both in Türkiye and globally.

Results: The average annual percentage change (AAPC) for incidence rates was -1.81 in Türkiye and -1.481 in the global cohort. For prevalence, the AAPC was -2.5244 in Türkiye and -1.4104 globally.

Conclusion: The vaccination rates increased over time and remained at 95% since 2009, suggesting that vaccination efforts effectively reduced the risk of hepatitis B infection among children. This study provided important perspectives for assessing Türkiye's performance in this field and guiding future strategies.