A Study of Hepatitis B Virus Associated Risk Factors in Patients Attending Hepatitis Unit in Duhok City, Iraq

Infection with HBV is a major public health problem. Determining the risk factors of such an infection is of great importance for a preventive public health plan.
This study was conducted to determine the clinical presentations of patients with HBV, to assess the knowledge of patients about the mode of transmission of the infection, and to estimate the prevalence of risk factors associated with HBV infection.
A cross-sectional study was performed among patients with HBV attending hepatitis unit in Azadi teaching hospital, Duhok city, Iraq. A total of 423 patients were recruited in the study over the period of January 2013 to December 2015. Data collection was performed by a face-to-face interview using a questionnaire sheet for the collection of personal information, data regarding the knowledge about mode of transmission of HBV, and data about risky behaviors.
Results and 287/423 (68%) of the recruited subjects were males, 141/423 (33%) were from the central area in Duhok, and 216/423 (51%) were married. Additionally, 375/423 (88.7%) of the patients were asymptomatic. 383/423 (90.5%) of the recruited subjects claimed that they do not know the risk factors of HBV transmission. 85/423 (20.1%) of the recruited subjects gave a history of previous surgical operation and 73/423 (17.2%) of the patients gave a history of dental surgery.
Our study has given an insight into the most common risk factors associated with HBV infection. Furthermore, it has shown a lack in knowledge regarding HBV. A comprehensive population based program is needed to combat the spread of infection and early detection of HBV infection especially in rural and remote areas.