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Ethnicity, socioeconomic status, transfusions and risk of hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Indonesia School of Medicine, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Insights
This study found distinct risk factors for hepatitis B and C in Jakarta. Hepatitis B is linked to low socioeconomic status and ethnicity, while hepatitis C is associated with older age and transfusions.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) pose significant public health challenges globally.
- Understanding the specific risk factors and prevalence of these infections in diverse populations is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the risk factors associated with HBV and HCV infections.
- To measure the seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody to hepatitis C (anti-HCV) in the general population of Jakarta.
Main Methods:
- A population-based survey of 985 individuals aged 15 and above in Jakarta.
- Risk factor assessment through questionnaires and home visits.
- Serum analysis for HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV, AST, and ALT levels.
Main Results:
- Seroprevalence rates were 4.0% for HBsAg, 17.2% for anti-HBs, and 3.9% for anti-HCV.
- Low socioeconomic status (OR 18.09) and Chinese ethnicity (OR 2.97) were significant risk factors for HBV.
- Older age (>50, OR 14.72) and history of transfusion (OR 3.03) were significant risk factors for HCV.
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis B and C infections exhibit different epidemiological profiles and risk factors in Jakarta.
- HBV transmission is associated with socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and family size.
- HCV infection is linked to age and transfusion history, highlighting the need for distinct public health interventions.
Abstract:
This study identifies the risk factors for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and measures the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody to hepatitis C (anti-HCV) in the general population of Jakarta. A population-based sample of 985 people aged 15 and above was surveyed. Risk factors were identified through questionnaires and home visits. Serum was analysed for HBsAg, antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs), anti-HCV, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). The seroprevalence was: 4.0% (39/985) for HBsAg, 17.2% (170/985) for anti-HBs, and 3.9% (38/985) for anti-HCV. The risk factors for hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection had little in common. Low socioeconomic status was a strong risk factor for HBsAg (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 18.09; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.35-139.50). In addition, the Chinese group has 2.97 higher risk of having HBV infection compared with the Malayan ethnic group (adjusted OR 2.97; 95% CI 1.22-7.83). There was moderate positive trend between family size and risk of HBsAg positivity (P = 0.130). Age over 50 (adjusted OR 14.72; 95% CI 4.35-49.89) and history of transfusion were significant risk factors for hepatitis C (adjusted OR 3.03; 95% CI 1.25-7.33). Hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections have different risk factors in Jakarta, a high risk in population for both diseases. Hepatitis B transmission is associated with low socioeconomic status, Chinese ethnic group and large family size, while hepatitis C is associated with an older age and a history of transfusions.