Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Hepatitis E Among Women of Reproductive Age Residing in Birjand in 2016

Hepatitis E is one of the major health concerns in most developing countries. Hepatitis E is associated with high mortality rate among pregnant women. Yet, there is limited information about its prevalence among the women of reproductive age in Birjand, Iran. The aim of this study is sought to assess the seroprevalence and the risk factors of hepatitis E among the women of reproductive age in Birjand. This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 360 women aged 17 - 45 years who were conveniently recruited from the Women’s Clinic of ValiasrHospital, Birjand, Iran. Data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire with items on participants’ demographic characteristics, medical history, pregnancy profile, and source of drinking water. A five-milliliter blood sample was obtained from each participant and the titer of anti-HEV IgG was measured through the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data were analyzed using the SPSS software (v. 16.0) through conducting the independent-sample t test at a significance level of less than 0.05. This study was conducted on 360 women with an age mean of 31.1 ± 7.0. Most participants were non-pregnant (70.8%). The titer of anti-hepatitis E immunoglobulin G was positive in 42 cases (11.7%). The prevalence of anti-HEV IgG seropositivity had no significant relationships with pregnancy and marital status, while it had significant relationships with the place of residence (OR= 4.73)and the source of drinking water(P < 0.001). Moreover, anti-hepatitis E immunoglobulin G seropositivity was significantly lower among participants with university degree (P = 0.004) and significantly higher among older participants (P = 0.018). By the research finding the seroprevalence of hepatitis E is higher among women with lower educational level, women who drink untreated water, and women who live in rural areas. Health education and promotion may help reduce the prevalence of hepatitis E, particularly in rural areas.