HBsAg Seroprevalance and Affecting Factors in Patients Attending Emergency Department

Aim: To determine the seroprevalence of HBsAg in the emergency unit while determining risk for transmission and associated socidemographics. Method: In this study, we accessed the records of 693 patients with various complaints, who had their HBsAg checked in the emergency department, retrospectively. Binominal logistic regression and chi-square test was used for data analysis to determine predictors of HBsAg seropositivity. Results: Of the total 693 patients, 57.3% (n=397) of the patients were male and the mean age was 53.8±21.6 (4-99). 58.6% (n=405) of the patients lived in the urban area while 95.5% (n=662) had health insurance. 41.1% (n=288) of the admitted patients had at least one chronic disease. The HBsAg seroprevalence of those included in the study was 3.3%. The highest prevalence of HBsAg seropositivity was recorded in the 41-60 age group with a rate of 5.2%. Anti-HBs seroprevalence was 44.6% (n=311), Anti-HCV seroprevalence was 0.6% (n=4) and Anti-HIV was 0.3% (n=3). Lower Anti-HBs was found as a significant risk factor for Hepatitis B infection (p=0.003), patients who had non-protective Anti-HBs levels were at tenfold risk of contracting Hepatitis B compared to their Anti-HBs positive counterparts. Conclusion: The prevalence of hepatitis B in our study was at an intermediate epidemic level. Testing at every opportunity even in the emergency service is a suitable strategy for the prevention and control of hepatitis B. The findings are similar to other available data in our region. We suggest that low Anti-HBs level is the most significant risk factor for HBsAg seropositivity. More expanded and comprehensive studies should be carried in the whole population.