Objectives: The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of the HBV infection in Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and to correlate serologic findings with epidemiological data and known risk factors. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted in 10 health facilities Jazan province. Study participants (2041) were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. HBsAg was tested in the blood samples collected from the study participants using commercially available kits. Results: The overall prevalence of hepatitis B among study participants was 8.3% (95% CI: 7.2 - 9.6). The prevalence of HBsAg was found to be the highest (22.4%) among those who were over 60 years old (95% CI: 13.2 - 35.0). For participants under 20 years old, the prevalence was the lowest, at only 2.5%. For males the HBV prevalence was 11.2% (95% CI: 9.3 - 13.3), compared to 7.0% (95 CI: 5.5% - 8.8%) for females. Subjects with a family history of HBV ( p = 0. 002) and dental procedures (p = 0.008) were found to be associated with higher risk for HBV infection. Conclusion: The prevalence of HBsAg in adults in Jazan remains highly relative to KSA national level. Results showed a marked reduction in HBV among participants under 20 years old. This could be mainly attributed to the successful implementation of the children’s HB immunization programs in the region. Additional efforts to control HBV and vaccination for adults are highly recommended.
KeywordsHepatitis B virusPrevalenceRisk FactorsJazan
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