Abstract: To determine the epidemiological characteristics and associated risk factors of hepatitis B surface antigens (HBsAg) prevalence in rural areas of Hua County, Henan Province, and to provide scientific evidence for Hepatitis B prevention and control in local areas. Methods: On the basis of an ongoing esophageal cancer cohort study in rural Anyang, a total of 5 104 subjects aged 25-65 years were clustered and selected from 5 targeted villages for this study in rural areas of Hua County, Henan Province. HBsAg was detected in their blood samples and a questionnaire was completed by all the subjects in a manner of one-on-one interview. All statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS for Windows version 13.0. Results: Of the 5 104 studied subjects (overall participation rate: 92.05%), 5.17% were positive for HBsAg. The detection rate was significantly higher in males than in females (6.54% vs. 3.87%, P<0.001) and the highest detection rates were observed in the 25-29 and 55-59 years groups in both males and females. Multiple Logistic analyses showed unmarried status (OR=1.80, 95% CI: 1.00-3.25) and high frequency of sexual intercourse (P_trend =0.049) were associated with higher the risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Conclusion: The prevalence of HBsAg in rural Hua County, Henan Province, was slightly lower than the national average of the same time period. More attention should be attached to high risk groups of HBV infection in this population, i.e. males aged 25-29 years and 55-59 years and sexually active population. Immunization and health education projects against hepatitis B should be carried out in this population to further reduce the overall prevalence of hepatitis B.

Key words: Hepatitis B surface antigens, Rural communities, Epidemiology, Risk factors