Background The Hepatitis B (HB) infection is
a significant health problem in Palestine, which is categorized as an HB virus
moderate endemic area, with the HB carrier rate ranging from 2-6%. The aim of
this study is to determine the risk factors of Hepatitis transmission in the
northern areas of Palestine in order to help prevent and control this prevalent
health problem.
Methods A case–control study was
implemented to achieve the study objectives. One hundred HB virus seropositive
cases and another 100 seronegative controls were included in the study.
Univariate analysis and a logistic regression model were performed to examine
probable risk factors of acquisition of HB infections.
Results Univariate
analysis showed that HB case-patients were more likely to report having a
history of blood transfusion, dental visits, hospitalization, Hejamat, sharing
shaving equipments, intravenous drug use, or living abroad than controls were.
The logistic regression model revealed a history of dental visits to be the
most significant risk factor, (P value <0.001, OR 5.6; 95% CI 2.8-11.1).
Conclusion
The
presence of these risk factors emphasizes the need for both increasing the
uptake of HB vaccine and implementing risk-targeted public health education.
Development and enforcement of appropriate infection control guidelines for
dental care services are important to prevent HB virus transmission as well.