Monitoring of Hepatitis B Infection in the Elderly Population of Eastern Iran; [Monitorizacion De La Infeccion Por Hepatitis B En Los Sujetos Mayores De Iran Oriental] Publisher



Pagheh AS¹ ; Alemzadeh E¹ ; Nazar E² ; Moodi M³ ; Sharifi F⁴ ; Mirimoghaddam E⁵ ; Rahimi MT⁶ ; Mohammadi S⁷ ; Ziaee M¹
Source: Vacunas Published:2025

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of HBV infection and its associated risk factors in the elderly in Birjand. Materials and methods: The present study was a part of the community-based prospective cohort study. Subjects over 60 years of age were assessed using standard questionnaires and blood factors. The samples were tested for HBsAg by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Of 542 elderly people living in Birjand, 11 cases (2.03%) were positive. The median age of patients with HBsAg positive and negative was 69 (IQR: 63–77) years and 67 (IQR: 63–74) years, respectively. The results of the multiple logistic regression model showed that fatty liver disease was significantly associated with having hepatitis B (AOR (95% CI)=5.50 (1.16, 25.88)) (p < .05). However, there was no significant relationship found between variables age, sex, marital status, years of study, underlying diseases, body mass index, smoking, and blood factors with having hepatitis B (p > .05). Conclusions: Even though there were only a few positive cases, leading to a non-significant report, it is crucial to emphasize the clinical significance and health and well-being of elderly individuals contracting hepatitis B. This information can be valuable in devising suitable disease management strategies for this age group. © 2024