Epidemiologic and socioeconomic factors impacting hepatitis B virus and related hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Chronic Hepatitis B is a highly prevalent disease worldwide and is estimated to cause more than 800000 annual deaths from complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although universal hepatitis B vaccination programs may have reduced the incidence and prevalence of chronic hepatitis B and related HCC, the disease still imposes a significant healthcare burden in many endemic regions such as Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. This is especially concerning given the global underdiagnosis of hepatitis B and the limited availability of vaccination, screening, and treatment in low-resource regions. Demographics including male gender, older age, ethnicity, and geographic location as well as low socioeconomic status are more heavily impacted by chronic hepatitis B and related HCC. Methods to mitigate this impact include increasing screening in high-risk groups according to national guidelines, increasing awareness and health literacy in vulnerable populations, and developing more robust vaccination programs in under-served regions.

Keywords: Hepatitis B; Epidemiology; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Socioeconomic status; Healthcare disparity; Hepatitis B vaccine

Core Tip: While many studies in the past have analyzed the impact of various epidemiological and socioeconomic factors on viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), this minireview is the first to adopt a global perspective in highlighting the impact of both epidemiologic and socioeconomic factors on current trends in chronic hepatitis B and related HCC. We highlight trends in incidence, prevalence and mortality of chronic hepatitis B seen throughout the world in the past few decades and the disparity in healthcare distribution and outcomes between different populations.