Background: Viral hepatitis remains a major global cause of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to investigate various epidemiological aspects of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Babol County, northern Iran, including incidence trends, demographic characteristics, risk factors, and disease outcomes from 2016 to 2021.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, all registered cases of HBV and HCV in Babol County during 2016-2021 were included. Data were extracted on demographic variables, reasons for referral, clinical features, and disease outcomes. Incidence rates and their annual trends were also calculated. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, with a significance level set at P < 0.05.
Findings: A total of 184 patients were identified, comprising 159 (86.4%) with HBV and 25 (13.6%) with HCV. The mean age was 43.03 ± 13.27 years (range: 19-79). The overall incidence rate of viral hepatitis was 8.83 per 100000 population in 2016, decreasing to 4.88 per 100000 in the final year of the study; however, the trend was not statistically significant (P = 0.394). Most patients were men (n = 121, 65.8%), urban residents (n = 118, 64.1%), and married (n = 168, 91.3%). The majority (n = 165, 89.7%) had not received HBV vaccination. A total of 115 individuals (62.5%) were tested due to at least one risk factor, most commonly a history of blood transfusion and contaminated blood products or unknown sources. Regarding outcomes, 130 patients (70.6%) were identified as carriers and 113 (61.5%) had chronic hepatitis.
Conclusion: The findings can support health system managers in developing appropriate interventions to improve the current situation. Moreover, these results may inform the design of educational programs to enhance awareness among at-risk groups regarding the importance of vaccination and screening.