The Relationship Between the Methods of Male Circumcision Procedures Used in the Past and the Prevalence of Viral Hepatitis

Abstract

OZ Objective: The study was designed to evaluate the relationship between the methods of circumcision procedures used in the past and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HBs and anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) positivity. Materials and Methods: Within the scope of “Public Hepatitis Awareness Activities” executed by the Viral Hepatitis Society, volunteer participants who were admitted to primary healthcare centers across the Turkey, were screened for HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HCV positivity. A standard questionnaire form regarding their circumcision procedure in the past was applied via face-to-face interview method to each participant while their blood samples were collected for the analysis of hepatitis B virus and HCV positivity. Results: HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HCV positivity rates were 3.6%, 9.9% and 0.6% respectively. HBsAg positivity was significantly higher in group of participants who have been circumcised by a traditional non-medical person than in the other group of subjects who have been circumcised by a health professional (3.3% vs 5.3%, p=0.003). Conclusion: Circumcision is a widespread practice based on the existing cultural and religious traditions in islamic countries like Turkey. Mass circumcision and circumcision performed by traditional nonmedical persons like barbers is still one of the important health-care problems with the risk of transmission of viral infections in Turkey. The results will help to take measures for preventing viral hepatitis transmission.