PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS B AMONG PATIENTS AT INFECTIOUS DISEASES HOSPITAL IN KABUL- AFGHANISTAN

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B is a life-threatening illness that continues to pose a significant health challenge globally, particularly in third-world and low-income countries like Afghanistan, despite the availability of vaccines and treatments. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of hepatitis B among patients registered at the infectious disease hospital in Kabul.

 Methods and materials: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study utilizing medical records of patients diagnosed with hepatitis B virus from March 2023 to September 2023 at a public infectious disease hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Results: A total of (7,264) patients were registered at the hospital, with (217) diagnosed with hepatitis B virus, reflecting a prevalence of (2.9%). Among these (217) patients, the majority had chronic hepatitis B (63.6%), while (36.4%) had acute hepatitis B. Males constituted (50.7%) of the patients, and females accounted for (49.3%). Most patients were over 45 (44.2%) and married (82.9%). Additionally, 52.1% of the patients lived in provincial areas, compared to (47.9%) in the capital. A large majority (89.9%) reported no family history of hepatitis B, with only (10.1%) having such a history. Regarding economic status, (69.6%) of the patients were classified as having weak financial status, while (30.4%) were considered to have good economic status.

Conclusion: Most of the hepatitis B-positive patients were chronic cases, with a higher proportion of males compared to females. They were predominantly married, middle-aged, and came from low-economic backgrounds. Additionally, many had no family history of the disease, and they lived almost equally in provincial areas and the capital.

Additional research is necessary to determine the factors linked to hepatitis B virus infection and to enhance understanding of its prevention, especially among married individuals.