Ten-year analysis of hepatitis B incidence in Iraq.

Background: Hepatitis B virus infection is a major health concern globally, with regional and national variations that require context-specific analyses.

Aim: To assess trends, including age- and gender-specific variations, of hepatitis B virus incidence in Iraq from 2012 to 2022.

Methods: We analysed national surveillance data from 2012 to 2022 on confirmed hepatitis B virus cases among all age groups in Iraq. Joinpoint regression was used to estimate the annual percentage change and average annual percentage change in incidence.

Results: Annual incidence decreased from 9.7 per 100 000 population in 2012 to 3.5 in 2022. Incidence was consistently higher among males, however, joinpoint regression showed a significant decrease in incidence among males (-13.8%) and females (-14.9%). The lowest decrease (-41.1%) occurred after 2017 among those aged 0-4 years. Incidence among the 5-14 years age group peaked in 2014 and decreased thereafter (-10.8%). Among individuals aged 15-44 years, incidence increased until 2016 and then decreased significantly (-18.9%). Among those aged >45, incidence increased until 2015 and then stabilised.

Conclusion: Age- and gender-specific interventions are needed to strengthen hepatitis B prevention and control in Iraq.