Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV and related risk factors in Sanliurfa, a province of southeastern Anatolia.

Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between April and May, 2008 in Sanliurfa's city center. A community-based representative sample (N=1070) was randomly selected using cluster sampling from the catchment areas served by 19 different primary healthcare centers. A questionnaire evaluating demographic information and probable risk factors for HBV and HCV was administered, and HBsAg and anti-HCV markers were analyzed from blood samples.

Results: Among the 1070 individuals who participated in the study, 33.1% were male (n=354) and 66.9% female (n=716). The average age was 35.4±13.5 (15-90) years. The seroprevalence of HBsAg positivity was 4.2% (n=45), while anti-HCV seropositivity was found to be 1.0% (n=11). Among participants who previously suffered a known hepatitis infection or who reported a family history of hepatitis, the HBsAg positivity was found to be higher (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between HCV transmission risk factors and anti-HCV positivity.

Conclusion: This is the first hepatitis seroprevalence study in central Sanliurfa and demonstrated moderate HBV infection endemicity.