BackgroundThere have been studies regarding the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-hepatitis C antibody (HCVAb) in Iran. However, the majority of these have reported a variety of rates, depending on their study population, which limits the generalizability of their results to the general population. On the other hand, cultural diversity in the different provinces of Iran also necessitates the performing separate population-based studies in the various regions.ObjectivesTo evaluate the population-based prevalence of HBsAg and HCVAb and their correlates in Zahedan City, Iran.Patients and MethodsIncluded in this study were 2587 individuals, using a random and cluster sampling approach. The participants were drawn from the Family Registry of the public health centers in Zahedan City, Iran, from 2008 to 2009. Following data collection from the interviews, subjects were assessed for seropositivity of HBsAg and HCVAb. We then calculated the prevalence of HBsAg and HCVAb, and evaluated these viral markers for an association with; age, sex and potential risk factors.ResultsWeighted seroprevalence of HBsAg and HCVAb was 2.5% (CI 95% : 1.9 to 3.3 %) and 0.5% (CI 95% : 0.27 to 0.9 %), respectively. Prevalence of HBsAg increased significantly with age (P value < 0.001), but this was not true for HCVAb (P value: 0.67). We observed no sex dominance in the prevalence of HBsAg (3.2% and 2.2% for males and females, respectively, P value: 0.15) or HCVAb (0.4% and 0.7% for males and females, respectively, P value: 0.27). In a multivariate regression analysis, every additional year in age resulted in a 2% increment in the odds of HBsAg seropositivity. HBsAg was also three times more prevalent among married, than single subjects (with a P value reaching toward significance: 0.065) in multivariate analysis. Prevalence of HCVAb did not differ with respect to any of the potential risk factors.ConclusionsThis is the first population-based study on the prevalence of HCVAb and one of the few population based studies on HBsAg in Zahedan City. We detected lower prevalence rates of HBsAg and HCVAb than in previous studies conducted in Zahedan City. In addition to improvements in social awareness and general health elements, we think that the observed low prevalence rates have been achieved due to the efficiency of mass vaccination projects, implemented against HBV infection in Iran.
BackgroundHepatitis B virus (HBV) is likely to be more prevalent in certain populations and occupational groups, such as municipal solid waste workers (MSWWs).ObjectivesThe current study aimed to estimate the prevalence of HBV and its risk factors among MSWWs compared to other municipal employees not exposed to waste.Patients and MethodsThe current cross-sectional study included 654 municipal employees in Zahedan (south-eastern Iran). A sample of blood was taken from each participant and tested for HBsAg through the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Demographic and other data on high risk behaviors were also collected through in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using chi-square test and multiple regression analysis by STATA.ResultsThe overall prevalence of HBV among municipal employees was 3.06% (95% CI: 1.70 - 4.30); however, it varied among the different employee subgroups as follows: 6.20% (95% CI: 2.70 - 9.70) in MSWWs, 3.3% (95% CI: 0.08 - 5.80) in drivers and 1% among staff who were not exposed to waste. Multiple regression analysis showed that exposure to waste [OR = 9.36; 95% CI = 2.01 - 43.7], lack of vaccination against HBV [OR = 3.83; 95% CI = 1.86 - 25.2], jaundice [OR = 6.91; 95% CI = 1.51 - 31.5], history of endoscopy [OR = 2.86; 95% CI = 1.08 - 7.62], and high risk behaviors [OR = 4.80; 95% CI = 1.96 - 27.2] were independently associated with HBV.ConclusionsGreater encouragement for immunization against HBV as well as better education on HBV transmission routes and work safety precautions should be implemented to reduce the prevalence of HBV in MSWWs.
Background: In addition to the direct effect on health, high-risk behaviors expose people to a variety of disorders and affect their activities. Despite the importance of investigating the prevalence of high-risk behaviors among municipal workers, no comprehensive study has yet been conducted in this area. Objectives:The aim of the present study was to assess the predictors of high-risk behaviors among municipal workers in Zahedan city, Iran. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on a total of 671 municipal workers and staff from different parts of Zahedan city in 2013. Information was collected through face to face interviews and registering answers in data forms. Data were analyzed in stata.12 software using chi-square and multivariate regression analysis at a significant level of 0.05. Results: Fifty-seven participants (8.5%) reported previous high-risk behaviors. According to the logistic regression test, only ethnicity and education variables were significantly related to the prevalence of high-risk behavior (P < 0.05). Although those with a longer work history had greater odds of high-risk behaviors than newly employed workers, this variable had no significant relationship with high-risk behaviors, and only improved the fitness and remained in the final model. Conclusions: High-risk behaviors are not highly prevalent among municipal workers and staff, and have no relationship with the occupation type. Given the higher prevalence of high-risk behaviors among more educated workers, there should be no concern about high-risk behaviors in less-educated ones. In conclusion, the ethnicity and educational level revealed as important predictors of high-risk behaviors among municipal workers.
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