Hepatitis B and HIV/AIDS in Zagreb: a district level analysis

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health concern.
• Understanding potential precursor markers for Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is crucial for public health strategies.
• Socioeconomic factors can influence the prevalence of infectious diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate Hepatitis B as a potential precursor marker for HIV/AIDS in Zagreb, Croatia.
• To analyze the spatial distribution and incidence rates of Hepatitis B and HIV/AIDS.
• To explore the relationship between socioeconomic conditions and Hepatitis B prevalence.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of Hepatitis B and HIV/AIDS cases in Zagreb districts (1979-1996).
• Calculation of relative risk (RR) for both infections across different districts.
• Correlation analysis between Hepatitis B incidence and a neighborhood discomfort index (unemployment, inflation, housing conditions).

Main Results:

• A total of 931 Hepatitis B cases and 108 HIV/AIDS cases were recorded.
• The Pescenica district showed the highest relative risk for both Hepatitis B (RR: 1.4) and HIV/AIDS (RR: 2.3).
• Higher Hepatitis B incidence in Pescenica was statistically significant (p = 0.005) and correlated with neighborhood discomfort (p = 0.005).

Conclusions:

• Hepatitis B infection prevalence is associated with socioeconomic deprivation in Zagreb.
• Areas with higher Hepatitis B incidence, indicative of poor socioeconomic conditions, pose a greater risk for HIV/AIDS transmission.
• Public health interventions should consider socioeconomic factors in controlling viral hepatitis and HIV/AIDS spread.