Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C Among Patients Attending Emirates International University Dental Clinics in Sana’a City, Yemen

Abstract

Introduction:

Evaluation of the prevalence of Hepatitis B and C viruses among patients of dental clinics in Sana'a city (capital city) is essential to understand the local burden of this infection and to identify potential risk factors associated with its transmission.

Objective:

To evaluate the prevalence rate of HBV and HCV and risk factors associated with infections among patients attending Dental clinics- Emirates International University in Sana’a City, Yemen. Rationale: To highlight the importance of routine screening before any dental procedure, especially before any oral surgical procedure such as tooth extraction.

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in Emirates International University dental clinics in Sana’a City, Yemen.

The period of study was 3 months, commencing from March 2023 to May 2023. The patients’ demographic information was recorded. Blood samples were tested before dental extraction for the presence of infection by HBs Ag and anti-HCV at the Laboratory of Medical Department by using Immunochromatographic assay (ICT) technique. Prevalence was calculated as percentages, and chi-square test was used to assess categorical variables where a p-value of <0.05 was considered significant- by using SPSS version 26.

Results:

Out of 385 patients, two had positive for HBV and one HCV collectively. Among them male more incidence than female. In addition, prevalence rate was (% 0.52) 2 for HBV and (%26 .0) 1 was with HCV. Risk factors for HCV were gender and clinical status of disease while age group with HBV.

Conclusion:

The prevalence rate of HBV and HCV was low among Yemeni patients attending Emirates International University Dental Clinics. Pre-dental intervention screening for HBs Ag & HCV is a reasonable policy, particularly before any dental procedure.