Prevalence and Impact of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) in Lashkar Gah City, Afghanistan: A Case Study

Abstract

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) remains a critical public health issue in Lashkar Gah City, Afghanistan, necessitating a focused investigation into its prevalence, clinical implications, and management, this case study research aimed to evaluate HBV prevalence across different demographic groups and regions, assess the incidence of chronic infections, and analyze diagnostic and treatment strategies. The study also identified gaps in public health approaches and proposed targeted interventions. 100 diagnosed patients were investigated, data were collected from two key hospitals Bost University Private Hospital and Helmand Provincial Infectious Disease Treatment Hospital and three laboratories. A structured 24-question multiple-choice survey was completed by 100 healthcare specialists, including psychologists, neurologists, and medical doctors. Analysis using IBM SPSS Statistics software revealed a significant male predominance in HBV cases (99%) and higher prevalence in densely populated areas (96%) and warmer climates (92%). In 72% cases, it was chronic, 63% patients had on slight symptoms and 87% cases have long lived with the condition. Nausea, vomiting, and jaundice were the common clinical symptoms reported in 94% of the cases. These results indicate that enhanced diagnostic measures, prevention practices, and population health awareness programs are most required, and the case study also brings significant contributions to the epidemiological role of HBV in Lashkar Gah City and proposes practical recommendations to be addressed by medical workers and decision-makers to advance the management of the disease and lighten the health-related burden on the population.

Keywords: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Prevalence, Epidemiology, Chronic HBV, Lashkar Gah, Afghanistan.