Investigating the Epidemiological Characteristics and Risk Factors of Hepatitis B and C Infections in the High-Risk Population of the Cities Covered by Jiroft University of Medical Sciences During the Years 2014-2023: A Descriptive Study

Background and Objectives: Hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses are the leading causes of liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Estimates indicate that approximately 350 million people worldwide are infected with HBV and 170 million with HCV.Transmission of these viruses occurs mainly through blood, sexual contact, and mother-to-infant transmission.This study aimed to determine the epidemiology of HBV and HCV infections in high-risk populations in the cities covered by Jiroft University of Medical Sciences during the years 2014 to 2023. Materials and Methods:This study was conducted in a descriptive-cross-sectional manner.Data were collected from HBV and HCV carriers reported to health networks of Jiroft University of Medical Sciences in a census manner.The data collection tool included checklists with demographic and clinical variables.The findings were reported in the form of descriptive statistics.Results: A total of 1,382 patients with hepatitis B and C were studied.The mean and standard deviation of the age of the patients was 38.13±51.81years.The frequency of HBV in women (60.6%) was higher than that of men (39.4%), while the frequency of HCV was reported to be higher in men (78.1%).Also, frequency of both types of hepatitis was observed more in married individuals. Conclusion:The results of this study indicate the need to pay more attention to the risk factors associated with HBV and HCV infections.The collected information can be used to develop national policies to prevent and control these diseases.