Family history of liver cancer may indicate chronic hepatitis B virus infection in an endemic area

Objective: To find additional factors suggestive of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the general population. Methods: This study collected data on HBV infection from the hepatitis virus survey. The survey was conducted in 13 provinces in the Northeastern Thailand in 2014 and 2015. During the survey, HBV screening was performed by using blood test. A questionnaire was also distributed to all participants for collection of baseline data on characteristics, risk factors for HBV infection, and daily life activities. Results: There were 2 008 participants involved in the survey. A total of 256 participants (12.75%) were tested positive for HBV infection. Only two factors were significantly associated with HBV infection, namely, male gender and family history of liver cancer. The adjusted ORs of both factors were 4.31 (95% CI: 2.28-8.12) and 2.26 (95% CI: 1.07-4.76), respectively. Conclusions: Males in endemic areas with a family history of liver cancer should get tested for HBV as early as possible in order to detect chronic HBV infection regardless of whether they display symptoms of HBV infection or not.