การติดเชื้อไวรัสตับอักเสบบีเรื้อรังในชายหนุ่มไทย: ปัญหาที่ควรได้รับการแก้ไข

Abstract

Chronic Hepatitis B among Thai Young Men: The Problem That Should Be Solved

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is an important health problem of Thailand and the world. It can lead to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and death. Moreover, cancer is the most common cause of death of Thai population and HCC is common among them, especially men. CHB is the most common cause of HCC and common among Thai young men with prevalence of nearly 10% in the past. All Thai newborns have been vaccinated for prevention of hepatitis B virus infection since 1992. Then, the CHB prevalence among Thai population was decreased. It was noticed that CHB prevalence among Thai young men declined differently according to each population group, i.e., prevalence among sample medical cadet and pre-cadet declined to 0% in 2011 and 2012, respectively, but in sample conscripts it declined to 3.2% in 2009 and rather stable until 2012. Thus, the CHB problem among conscripts and special group of Thai young men should be solved, especially, more coverage of hepatitis B vaccination in newborns and appropriate screening and management in adolescents. The successful strategies and methods of HIV/AIDS control of Thailand is recommended to use in CHB control.