Temporal Dynamics of Hepatitis B Infection and Relation of Childhood Vaccination Program in Türkiye: A Longitudinal...

Hepatitis B is a significant infectious disease on a global scale. The implementation of vaccination programs and other preventive measures (e.g., serologic screening of blood donors) leads to lower rates of new infections with the hepatitis B virus. This study aimed to investigate and compare the evolution of hepatitis B incidence, prevalence and mortality rates along with vaccination rates in Türkiye and worldwide between 1990 and 2019.

The study analyzed open datasets (the Global Burden of Disease and Our World in Data) using descriptive and joinpoint regression analysis to uncover substantial declines in hepatitis B rates from 1990 to 2019, both in Türkiye and globally.

The average annual percentage change (AAPC) for incidence rates was -1.81 in Türkiye and -1.481 in the global cohort. For prevalence, the AAPC was -2.5244 in Türkiye and -1.4104 globally.

The vaccination rates increased over time and remained at 95% since 2009, suggesting that vaccination efforts effectively reduced the risk of hepatitis B infection among children. This study provided important perspectives for assessing Türkiye's performance in this field and guiding future strategies.