Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study was conceptualized to estimate the prevalence and correlates of hepatitis B and C infections among the adult population of West Bengal and review the progress made so far toward the stated goal of controlling these infections in the state.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted during February 2023 to April 2024 in two districts of the state in adults. Participants were recruited from subdistrict clusters using the population-proportion-to-size sampling method. Sociodemographic information, along with laboratory parameters of hepatitis B and C infections, was collected from individuals.
RESULTS: Information from 22,320 individuals revealed that the prevalence of hepatitis B and C infections was 0.47 and 0.02%, respectively. Hepatitis B infection was higher in males (0.5%) and daily laborers (0.8%). In the population, 80.2% was considered susceptible to hepatitis B infection. A significant association of hepatitis B infection was found with a history of dialysis (AOR 21.1), multiple sex partners (AOR 7.3), and a family history of jaundice (AOR 3.4).
CONCLUSION: Prevalences of hepatitis B and C were lower than earlier estimates done in 2015-2016. A higher proportion of susceptible individuals among young adults remains a point of concern. As the prevalence is low among adults, West Bengal should focus on the triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), syphilis, and hepatitis B virus (HBV) to progress further toward the elimination of hepatitis B.