Epidemiologic characterization of hepatitis B among older adults

Abstract Objective to characterize the epidemiologic profile of Hepatitis B in the population aged 60 years old or more from the southwest region of the state of Paraná, Brazil, between 2007 and 2017. Method an epidemiologic, descriptive, and inferential study was conducted based on notifications obtained from the Notifiable Diseases Information System(or SINAN). Results Hepatitis B was more frequent in men, those with low levels of schooling and among individuals who worked in agriculture. Most of the cases were reported between 2013 and 2017 in subjects who reported having been exposed to biological material. According to logistic regression, hepatitis B infections were associated with non-white ethnicity (OR: 2.89; 95%CI 1.07 – 7.87), a history of blood transfusions (OR: 14.51; 95%CI 5.44 – 38.74), living in municipal regions with 10,000 to 20,000 inhabitants (OR: 4.57; 95%CI 1.59 – 13.12) and also among individuals from municipal regions with 20,000 to 50,000 inhabitants (OR: 4.33; 95%CI 1.61 – 11.56). Conclusion the epidemiological profile reported here represents a risk factor for hepatitis B in this population. The data can support more effective interventions, as well as further studies to guide comprehensive public health policies for older adults.