Prevalence and Characteristics of Hepatitis B and C Virus Infections among At-Risk Populations in Lopburi Provincial Administrative Organization
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Abstract
Hepatitis B and C viruses remain major public health concerns worldwide and in Thailand, as they can lead to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Populations born before 1992, who did not benefit from universal hepatitis B vaccination, are at particular risk. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of hepatitis B and C infections among at - risk populations in Lopburi Province.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 429 at - risk individuals aged 30 years and older who underwent proactive screening with rapid test kits. The screening took place between October 2024 and February 2025 in four subdistrict health - promoting hospitals under Lopburi Provincial Administrative Organization. Data were collected using standardized screening forms from the Demonstration Center for Preventive Medicine, Office of Disease Prevention and Control Region 4, and analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was 1.17%, while anti - hepatitis C virus antibody (Anti-HCV) was 0.70%. Most HBV - positive individuals were female, aged 60 years or older, and married, whereas most HCV - positive cases were male, aged 50–59 years, and engaged in informal occupations (labor/trade). The most common risk factors included being born before 1992 (99.3%) and sharing sharp instruments (55.94%), both of which were associated with infection. Tattooing or body piercing outside medical facilities was reported by only 0.47% of participants, yet half of them were HCV - positive.
Conclusion: Although the prevalence of hepatitis B and C infections among at-risk populations in Lopburi Province was lower than national and specific population estimates, the issue remains a significant concern. Proactive
screening of individuals born before 1992, campaigns to reduce high-risk behaviors, and strengthened local
collaboration to ensure timely treatment are essential for reducing transmission and supporting the national strategy to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030.
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ผู้แต่งที่ตีพิมพ์กับวารสารโรคและภัยสุขภาพ ภาคตะวันออก ประเทศไทย จะต้องยอมรับเงื่อนไขต่อไปนี้ :
ผู้แต่งจะต้องสงวนลิขสิทธิ์และให้สิทธิ์กับวารสารในการตีพิมพ์เผยแพร่บทความ โดยบทความจะถือเป็นลิขสิทธ์ของ สำนักงานป้องกันควบคุมโรคที่ 6 จังหวัดชลบุรี
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