Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Among Premarital Screening Individuals in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

ObjectivePremarital screening is one of the most important strategies for preventing infectious diseases such as hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus in populations. This study aims to explore the prevalence of these viruses and their association with potential demographic factors among individuals undergoing premarital screening in Saudi Arabia.MethodsA cross-sectional study design using the National Healthy Marriage Program electronic registry in the Saudi Ministry of Health. Patients were selected from the premarital screening tests for the three blood-borne viruses. Data were obtained from January to August 2021 among 114,740 individuals.ResultsHepatitis B virus infection showed the highest prevalence followed by hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency viruses. Among those who were infected, men had higher infectious disease prevalence than women. The central and western regions had the highest percentages of infection.ConclusionThe studied infections pose a continuous public health issue among premarital screening individuals in Saudi Arabia. This study identified important demographic risk factors for these diseases and highlighted the need for future strategies and long-term plans at the national level.