Epidemiology of Hepatitis B in Saudi Arabia from 2006 to 2021

Ibrahim G Alghamdi; Rahaf M Alghamdi; Mohamed S Alghamdi; Atheer M Alghamdi; Murad I Alghamdi; Ziyad I Alghamdi; Khalil S Alghamdi

doi:10.2147/HMER.S438099

Epidemiology of Hepatitis B in Saudi Arabia from 2006 to 2021

Hepat Med. 2023 Dec 21:15:233-247. doi: 10.2147/HMER.S438099. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Ibrahim G Alghamdi¹, Rahaf M Alghamdi², Mohamed S Alghamdi³, Atheer M Alghamdi³, Murad I Alghamdi⁴, Ziyad I Alghamdi⁵, Khalil S Alghamdi⁶

Affiliations

¹ Public Health Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Al-Baha, Al-Baha city, Saudi Arabia.
² Laboratory Medicine Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences University of Al-Baha, Al-Baha city, Saudi Arabia.
³ General Directorate of Health Affairs Al-Baha, Ministry of Health, Al-Baha city, Saudi Arabia.
⁴ College of Medicine, University of Al-Baha, Al-Baha city, Saudi Arabia.
⁵ College of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Al-Baha, Al-Baha city, Saudi Arabia.
⁶ General Directorate of Health Affairs Jeddah, Ministry of Health, Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Background: This study describes the epidemiological pattern of acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Saudi Arabia from 2006 to 2021. It explores case frequency and the crude incidence rate (CIR) by year of diagnosis, age group, region, gender, and nationality of patients.

Methods: Retrospective data on acute hepatitis B cases diagnosed across 20 regions of Saudi Arabia during January 2006 to December 2021 were obtained from the Saudi Ministry of Health's Statistical Yearbook. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 20.0, employing both parametric and non-parametric tests.

Results: The highest CIR was reported in the regions of Qunfudah, Jeddah, Tabuk, and Taif (28.6, 25.2, 25.1, and 23.4 per 100,000 people). In contrast, the lowest CIR was documented in the regions of Hail, Qurayyat, Jouf, and Hafr AL-Baten (3.6, 3.5, 2.9, and 1.2 per 100,000 people). Incidence rates were notably elevated in those aged 45 years and above (30.6 per 100,000 individuals), followed by the 15-44 age group (14.2 per 100,000 individuals), and were lowest in children aged 0-14 years (0.8 per 100,000 individuals). Regarding gender differences, HBV infection rates were 1.4 times higher in Saudi males than females and 2.2 times higher in non-Saudi males compared to females. Overall, Saudi nationals had a 4.2 times higher HBV infection rate than non-Saudis during the study period.

Conclusion: This study highlights diverse acute Hepatitis B infection rates across Saudi regions, with higher rates in Qunfudah, Jeddah, Tabuk, and Taif, and lower rates in Hail, Qurayyat, Jouf, and Hafr AL-Baten. Predominance among ages 45+, followed by 15-44, and lowest in 0-14 age groups was observed. Gender variations showed notably higher rates in Saudi and non-Saudi males. The notably higher prevalence among Saudi nationals implies key considerations for public health strategies.

Keywords: Hepatitis B virus; Saudi Arabia; epidemiology; incidence; retrospective study.