Epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis B virus infection in adult patients before, during and after COVID-19 in China

The findings highlight a complex interplay between pandemic conditions and observed positivity rates. The increase likely stemmed from multiple factors, including shifted testing focus, altered healthcare-seeking behavior, and potential viral reactivation. The COVID-19 response offers insights for optimizing future viral hepatitis control strategies during public health emergencies. Future research should expand demographic and geographic scope and investigate behavioral/social determinants to elucidate underlying mechanisms and guide targeted interventions.