Ten-year analysis of hepatitis B incidence in Iraq.

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B virus infection is a major health concern globally, with regional and national variations that require context-specific analyses.

AIM: To assess trends, including age- and gender-specific variations, of hepatitis B virus incidence in Iraq from 2012 to 2022.

METHODS

We analysed national surveillance data from 2012 to 2022 on confirmed hepatitis B virus cases among all age groups in Iraq. Joinpoint regression was used to estimate the annual percentage change and average annual percentage change in incidence.

RESULTS

Annual incidence decreased from 9.7 per 100 000 population in 2012 to 3.5 in 2022. Incidence was consistently higher among males, however, joinpoint regression showed a significant decrease in incidence among males (-13.8%) and females (-14.9%). The lowest decrease (-41.1%) occurred after 2017 among those aged 0-4 years. Incidence among the 5-14 years age group peaked in 2014 and decreased thereafter (-10.8%). Among individuals aged 15-44 years, incidence increased until 2016 and then decreased significantly (-18.9%). Among those aged >45, incidence increased until 2015 and then stabilised.

CONCLUSION

Age- and gender-specific interventions are needed to strengthen hepatitis B prevention and control in Iraq.