1Environmental and Spatial Epidemiology Research Center, National Human Genetic Resources Center, Beijing, China.
2Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States.
3National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China.
4Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
5Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States.
6Department of Maternal and Child Health, National Health and Family Planning Commission of the PRC, Beijing, China.
7Department of Child, Adolescent and Women's Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China.
8Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Ministry of Health, Beijing, China.
AbstractA cross-sectional analysis of prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) among rural couples was conducted between 2010 and 2014. Serologic HBV markers, including hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and e antigen (HBeAg), were tested. Primary outcome of interest comprised HBsAg positivity in couples (both positive: F+M+, only wife positive: F+M-, only husband positive: F-M+), and secondary outcome consisted of prevalence and risk factors of HBsAg positivity among husbands or wives. Of 14,816,300 couples included, 0.7% were F+M+; 6.3% were F-M+; 4.4% were F+M-, resulting in the overall seroprevalence of 11.4%. Individually, 6.1% were HBsAg positive with a higher rate seen in husbands (7.0%) than in wives (5.2%). Wife's HBeAg(+)/HBsAg (+) (AOR = 2.61), HBeAg(-)/HBsAg (+) (AOR = 2.23), positivity of syphilis (AOR = 1.50), living in a high-risk region (AOR = 1.46) were significantly predictors of HBsAg positivity in husbands. Prevalence and predictors of HBsAg positivity in wives had similar results. Our data show a high burden and discordant pattern of HBV infection in rural couples, and partner's double positivity of HBeAg and HBsAg was the most significant factor of HBV infection in couples. A comprehensive strategy that emphasizes vaccination and education is needed.