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Prevalence of viral hepatitis in Croatian adult population undergoing routine check-up, 2010-2011
Insights
Hepatitis A (HAV) and Hepatitis B (HBV) seroprevalence in Croatia increases with age. Rural populations showed higher HBV rates, with age and rural residence predicting positive results.
Area of Science:
- * Virology
- * Epidemiology
- * Public Health
Background:
- * Viral hepatitis seroprevalence varies globally.
- * Understanding prevalence in specific populations is crucial for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To determine the seroprevalence of Hepatitis A (HAV), Hepatitis B (HBV), and Hepatitis C (HCV) in the general Croatian adult population.
- * To identify demographic and geographic factors associated with viral hepatitis seropositivity.
Main Methods:
- * Cross-sectional study of adults undergoing routine check-ups in Croatia.
- * Serological testing for anti-HAV, anti-HBc, anti-HCV, HBsAg, and anti-HBs antibodies.
- * Statistical analysis including logistic regression to identify predictors of seropositivity.
Main Results:
- * Seroprevalence: anti-HAV 40.5%, anti-HBc 7.0%, anti-HCV 0.9%, HBsAg 0.7%, anti-HBs 24.4%.
- * HAV and HBV seropositivity significantly increased with age (p < 0.001).
- * Higher HBV seroprevalence in rural vs. urban areas (10.7% vs. 6.1%, p = 0.007).
- * Older age and rural residence were significant predictors for HAV and HBV seropositivity.
Conclusions:
- * Age is a significant factor for HAV and HBV exposure in the Croatian adult population.
- * Rural populations may require targeted HBV prevention strategies.
- * Findings inform public health interventions for viral hepatitis in Croatia.
Abstract:
Seroprevalence data on viral hepatitis in the general population vary widely. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hepatitis A (HAV), hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) viruses in the general Croatian adult population undergoing routine check-ups. The seroprevalence of anti-HAV, anti-HBc and anti-HCV was 40.5%, 7.0% and 0.9%, respectively. HBsAg was found in 0.7% and anti-HBs antibodies in 24.4% of participants. Gender was not associated with HAV, HBV or HCV seropositivity. HAV and HBV seropositivity increased progressively with age (HAV from 11.7% to 90.4%, p < 0.001; HBV from 1.7% to 15.8%, p < 0.001). Participants from rural areas showed a significantly higher HBV seroprevalence rate than those from urban areas (10.7% vs. 6.1%, p = 0.007). Results of univariate and multiple logistic regression showed that older age was a significant predictor for both HAV and HBV seropositivity while rural place of residence was a significant predictor for HBV seropositivity.