Prevalence of hepatitis B and C among students of health colleges in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study determined the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HB(s)Ag) and antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) among students at health colleges in Saudi Arabia from 2000 to 2007. Data were obtained from student records. A total of 16 570 (9852 male and 6718 female) students were included. Their mean age was 21 years and they were divided in 2 age groups of 18-21 and 22-30 years. Residence (rural or urban) was recorded. The prevalence of HB(s)Ag for males and females was 0.17% and 0.78% respectively in the 18-21-year-olds and 0.39% and 0.90% in the 22-30-year-olds. The prevalence of anti-HCV for males and females was 0.03% and 0.07% respectively in the 18-21-year-olds and 0.31% and 0.40% in the 22-30-year-olds. There was a statistically significant relationship between age and rural/urban background and HB(s)Ag and anti-HCV positivity (P < 0.005).