Risk behaviours related to hepatitis B virus infection among adults in Malaysia: A cross-sectional household survey

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to identify the magnitude of various risk behaviours related to Hepatitis B (HepB) and to characterize the relationship between socio-demographic determinants and these risk factors among adults in Malaysia. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in nine districts in the state of Selangor in 2016. A two-stage cluster sampling design was used and adults aged 20 years or above who were living in the selected living quarters were interviewed face-to-face. A multivariable linear regression model analysed the association between sociodemographic predictors and eleven outcomes (different HepB risk behaviours). Results: A total of 728 respondents were included in the final analysis. Sharing nail cutters, body-piercing, and alcohol use were the most prevalent risk behaviours among respondents. Males, married couples, adult respondents (between 27 and 40 years old), and individuals with low educational attainment were more likely to be exposed to HepB risk behaviours. Conclusion: HepB risk behaviours are relatively high among Malaysians and particularly among certain groups. Therefore, specific programs such as forums, seminars and continuous education on preventive measures for HepB should be tailored to these groups. These programs could be conducted by government authorities such as the Ministry of Women, Family and Community of Malaysia.

Prevalence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Hepatitis B Population within Southeast Asia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 39,050 Participants

“…The latter is consistent with other people's reports [19,47,[83][84][85]. Each study design makes a significant contribu-tion to the overall prevalence while also providing unique viewpoints on the connection between HBV and HCC in the Southeast Asian context [86,87].…”

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection among Malaysian population

“…Previous studies also reported that HBsAg positivity was more prevalent among the Chinese than other ethnic group in Malaysia 6 , 13 . Although the reasons behind the high rate of HB in certain ethnic groups are still unknown, previous study suggested that high-risk behaviour and cultural activity, such as unhygienic tattooing, body piercing, high-risk sexual activities, and alcohol consumption may have been contributed to high prevalence of HBsAg and Anti-HBc 22 , 29 . Thus, further study on the association of lifestyles, behaviour or occupational risk exposures and HBV infection in different populations and ethnicities were needed in order to explain the different levels of HB infection between different populations.…”

Sero-Prevalence and Predictive Statistical Model for the Hepatitis B Virus Exposure Among People in Community, Yasothon, Thailand

“…Moreover, those who used smoking, alcohol drinking and low HBV knowledge will have an increased chance to expose the risk of HBV similar findings were reported from Ataei et al 9 and Frew et al 17 . On the other hand, those who don't smoke or drink alcohol and have a high knowledge will have a decreased chance to expose the risk of HBV 18,19 .…”