OBJECTIVETo determine the distribution of anti-hepatitis E virus (HEV) IgG antibody and anti-human papilloma virus (HPV) IgG antibody among female residents of Xinmi and investigate the risk factors of HEV infection.

METHODSA questionnaire was used to collect data on the demographic characteristics and suspected risk factors of HEV infection, including behavioral habits. All questionnaire responders also provided peripheral blood samples for investigation by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect HEV-IgG. Demographic data were statistically evaluated by t-test and univariate analysis, and HEV infection risk factors were statistically evaluated by a binary logistic regression model.

RESULTSThe average age of the 952 questionnaire responders was 47.16 + 8.09 years. The demographic parameters of education level, income, experience of stillbirth, and age were associated with HEV-IgG positivity (all P less than 0.05). Age, occupation, and income were identified as independent risk factors for HEV-IgG positivity (all P less than 0.05). No statically association was found between sexual behavior and anti-HEV or anti-HPV levels, or HEV infection.

CONCLUSIONThe female population surveyed in Xinmi, Henan Province showed a higher HEV-IgG positive rate than generally reported in the literature, and this rate shows an increasing trend with age, Risk factors for HEV infection among this group are age, income and occupation.