Demographic Characteristics of Hospitalized Hepatitis B Virus Patients

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a small DNA virus infecting about 350 million people globally. Bangladesh, the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, North Africa, and the former Soviet Union are regions with intermediate prevalence of HBV infection. Objective: The aim of this study was to illustrate the demographic profile of hepatitis B virus patients who are hospitalized. Methodology: This observational study aims to demonstrate the demographic characteristics of adult-infected patients of Hepatitis B virus in Medicine and Hepatology, department of BSMMU and DMCH from June 2012 to September 2012. Non-randomized sampling method was used to select the patients. Results: Most adult patients with hepatitis B virus infection are aged 20 to 40, with an average age of 35.34 years. The highest incidence is in the 18-27 age group, accounting for 28% of cases. Approximately 72% are male, and 66% come from rural areas. About 35% of patients are illiterate, while 30% have completed primary education and 20% have secondary education. Socioeconomically, 59% are low income, 36% are middle income, and 5% are high income. Additionally, 12% of the participants are students. Conclusions: HBV infection is most common among illiterate, rural, and low socioeconomic groups due to limited medical knowledge, screening, vaccination access, and awareness of its causes.