Seroprevalence of HBsAg among adolescents and adults in the Muhayil Aseer region of KSA: 25 years after the introduction of national vaccination

The objective of this work was to investigate the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of HBsAg among adolescents and adults in the Muhayil Aseer region of KSA. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a selected sample of adolescents and adults in the Muhayil Aseer region of KSA. A comprehensive questionnaire-based interview was performed for all participants, blood samples were taken, and sera were tested for HBsAg. The study included 133 adolescents and 938 adults. A seroprevalence of 1.5% and 6.1% were recorded among adolescents and adults, respectively. The study showed that persons without the hepatitis B vaccination carried a significantly higher risk for developing sero-positivity for HBsAg. The present study further endorsed the effectiveness of vaccination in preventing hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Strict preventive measures against HBV infection need to be fostered in the study area.