Monitoring of hepatitis B infection in the elderly population of eastern Iran

Abstract

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of HBV infection and its associated risk factors in the elderly in Birjand.

Materials and methods

The present study was a part of the community-based prospective cohort study. Subjects over 60 years of age were assessed using standard questionnaires and blood factors. The samples were tested for HBsAg by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Of 542 elderly people living in Birjand, 11 cases (2.03%) were positive. The median age of patients with HBsAg positive and negative was 69 (IQR: 63–77) years and 67 (IQR: 63–74) years, respectively. The results of the multiple logistic regression model showed that fatty liver disease was significantly associated with having hepatitis B (AOR (95% CI)=5.50 (1.16, 25.88)) (p < .05). However, there was no significant relationship found between variables age, sex, marital status, years of study, underlying diseases, body mass index, smoking, and blood factors with having hepatitis B (p > .05).

Conclusions

Even though there were only a few positive cases, leading to a non-significant report, it is crucial to emphasize the clinical significance and health and well-being of elderly individuals contracting hepatitis B. This information can be valuable in devising suitable disease management strategies for this age group.