[A cross-sectional survey on hepatitis B among general population in areas along Yangzi River in Anhui province].

Objective: To describe the epidemic status of hepatitis B along the Yangzi River area, in Anhui province.

Methods: A cross-sectional seroepidemiological survey was conducted and the samples were collected by stratified cluster sampling. Serological biomarkers to hepatitis B virus were tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reagents.

Results: Among 2282 people, the prevalence rates of HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb, HBcAb and hepatitis B virus infection were 9.8%, 43.5%, 1.0%, 7.8%, 10.3% and 40.6% respectively. The prevalence rate of HBsAg among males was higher than that of females (P < 0.05). The vaccination rate was 24.7%, higher in urban than in rural areas. The vaccination rate was high in children younger than ten years old and in students. The prevalence rates of HBsAg and HBV among people who had received vaccines were lower than those who had not.

Conclusion: The standardized prevalence rates of HBsAg (9.3%) was high in the area along the Yangzi River in Anhui province. The vaccinate rate was low in the country side. Expanded vaccinate which can obviously reduce the prevalence rate of HBsAg should be enhanced.