Epidemiology of hepatitis B virus infection among the Irula tribal population in Dharmapuri district Tamil Nadu: a community-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Tribal communities are disproportionately affected by hepatitis B virus (HBV) compared to non-tribal populations, posing a significant public health concern. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of and risk factors associated with HBV infection among the Irula tribal population in Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu, India.

METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the Irula tribal population in Tamil Nadu, India. While the survey covered all three districts, blood samples for serological testing were collected solely from Dharmapuri district due to COVID-19 restrictions. Individuals aged 18 years and above were included. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Blood samples (5 mL) were obtained from willing participants in Dharmapuri and immediately stored at -20 °C for serological testing. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22, trial version.

RESULTS

A total of 1,171 participants were screened. The majority were married (83.8%), female (79.2%), and primarily engaged in agricultural occupations (59.6%). Of the 303 Irula tribal individuals from Dharmapuri district who underwent serological testing, 11 (3.63%) were found to be positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Reported risk factors included tattooing (32.3%), alcohol consumption (13%), and a history of jaundice (4.3%), and none of them were reported to be injecting drug users.

CONCLUSION

Approximately 4% of Irula participants tested positive for HBV in Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu, highlighting a public health concern in this vulnerable group. Although some risk factors were noted, the limited sample size prevented regression analysis to confirm associations. Targeted HBV education and prevention efforts are needed, and future studies with larger samples are recommended to guide effective interventions.