Abstract:
The study revealed that the sero-prevalence of anti-HBc and HBsAg in Colombo district is
5.49 percent (95 percent C.I. 4.42-6.55) and 0.46 percent (95 percent C.I. 0.14-0.77)
respectively. The prevalence of anti-HBc was seen to increase progressively with age.
Lower educational level, history of acupuncture treatment, risky sexual behaviour in self,
being infected with a sexually transmitted infection either in self or the partner and history
of imprisonment were significantly associated with anti-HBc positivity.HBsAg carrier status
was significantly associated with ethnicity, Moors having a higher risk, in spite of the small
number of positive individuals. The findings of the study highlight the importance of a
national policy to introduce universal screening of blood donors for hepatitis C infection.
Strengthening of health education services is recommended as it was found that risky sexual
behaviour and acupuncture to be associated with increased risk of contracting hepatitis Band
C infections.
