Risk Factors for Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Patients Attending Health Facilities in Sulaimani City, Iraq: A Case-Control Study

Background: The hepatitis B virus is a major threat to public health because it causes disease. Approximately 5% of people worldwide are chronically infected, and this virus has infected approximately one-third of the population. The purpose of this study was to assess the risk factors for hepatitis B transmission among patients who visit medical institutions in Sulaimani City. Method: A case-control study was carried out among 240 individuals (120 cases and 120 controls) visiting health facilities in Sulaimani City between August 11 and December 31, 2024. Convenient sampling was used for selecting participants. Data on demographics, behavioural risk factors, and medical history were obtained through an organized questionnaire; they were interviewed face-to-face. The Chi-square test (χ2-test), Fisher’s exact test, odds ratio (OR), mean, and standard deviation were calculated. Results: Overall, 120 cases and 120 controls participated in this study. Regarding the case group, 68.3% were males, 53.3% were aged between 35 and 55, and 76.7% were married. The risks linked to hepatitis B infection were dental procedures (OR = 2.9, P < 0.001), blood transfusion (OR = 2.9, P < 0.001), cupping therapy (Hijamat) (OR = 3.6, P < 0.001), tattooing (OR = 2.6, P = 0.025), and sharing sharp personal hygiene items (OR = 2.6, P = 0.007). Merely 21.7% of those who took part were aware of how the hepatitis B virus spreads. Conclusions: Dental procedures, blood transfusions, cupping therapy (Hijamat), tattooing, and sharing sharp personal hygiene items were hepatitis B infection. Most of the respondents had no information about the hepatitis B virus transmission modes. These highlights demonstrate that in order to stop the hepatitis B virus from spreading further, individuals must be educated about its risk factors and mechanisms of transmission. The goal of interventions should be to reduce the risk factors for hepatitis B. Adults should remain the priority of hepatitis B vaccination efforts.