ABSTRACT
Background: Hepatitis B infection is a major global health problem. The hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in serum is the first seromarker to indicate active HBV infection either acute or chronic. The seroprevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen among general population attending OPD at a tertiary care hospital is useful in assessing true nature of problem, which can help to estimate the magnitude of HBV infection and aid in devising preventive measures. The aim of the study was to determine the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B infection among OPD patients attending a tertiary care hospital. Methods: Data from Dec 2015- April-2017 for OPD patients underwent HBsAg screening were collected and analysed. Results: A total number of 3891 patients were screened for HBsAg among them 1731 (44.48%) were males and 2160 (55.51%) were females. The seroprevalence of HBsAg in total OPD patients was 90(2.31%), was higher in males 46(2.65%) as compared to females 44(2.03%). The highest seroprevalence was found in 60-71 (4%) age group. Conclusions: The seroprevalence of Hepatitis B positive cases was 2.31% among OPD patients. Also, the rising seroprevalence rates of hepatitis B in males need urgent attention.