Objective: To investigate the epidemiological features and demographic characteristics of
hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patients and the accurate incidence rates of HBV infection in
Iran.
Methods: This retrospective study was conducted using the data from Iranian National
Hepatitis Registry Database. Based on the registered records of HBV patients during 2010-
2012, the sample size of this study was 28227. Data were analyzed to calculate the incidence
of hepatitis B infection according to age, sex and region of residence in Iranian population
during the period.
Results: The average age of infected people was (39.7 ± 16.0) years and the mean annual
incidence rate of the infection was 55.37 per 105
population. The highest incidence and
frequency rates were in the 60-69 (23.0/105
) and 20-29 (28.7%) age groups, respectively. The
lowest incidence and frequency rates, regardless of age and sex, were in the age group under 10
years old. The incidence rate was almost the same in urban (18.7/105
) and rural areas (17.5/105
).
Conclusions: Hepatitis B prevention programs should focus more on people aged 20-40 years.
Vaccination of people who are at risk of exposure to the virus should also be emphasized.