Introduction: Hepatitis B is one of the most common viral infections worldwide. The prevalence of hepatitis B is 1.07-5% in Iran. It is necessary to know the common routes of transmission of hepatitis for prevention of the disease. In this study, we evaluate the risk factors of hepatitis B by comparing hepatitis B patients with healthy blood donors.

  Methods: We assessed 39598 volunteer blood donors referred to Ghazvin Blood Transfusion Organization for hepatitis B. Risk factors were obtained from 186 patients and 186 healthy donors who were randomly selected. Hepatitis B was diagnosed according to positive result of HBsAg test (ELISA method).

  Results: Prevalence of HBV was 1.08%. Logistic regression analysis showed that only duration of marriage [P=0.01, OR=1.04(1.01-1.07)], contact with an icteric person [P<.0001, OR=23.62(5.32-104.93)], sexual contact with people other than their spouses [P=.03, OR=10.46(1.28-85.77)], genital infection [P=0007, OR=5.37(2.04-14.13)] and high risk jobs [P=.01, OR=2.2(1.2-4.1)] are independent risk factors for prediction of hepatitis B infection.

  Conclusion: Ghazvin is one of the low prevalent regions for hepatitis B in Iran. Prevalence of hepatitis B is decreasing in Iran in the last decades. Horizontal mode is more important than vertical transmission in this region of Iran. Screening programs, education and vaccination, specifically in these high risk groups is essential for prevention of new cases.

  Keywords: HBV, prevalence, risk factor.

  Hakim 2005 8(1) 8-15.