Hepatitis B and C in Taiwanese patients with Schizophrenia: A Nationwide, Population-based study on prevalence, and healthcare utilization

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatic viral infections (hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV)) are endemic in Taiwan, and can progress to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Schizophrenia patients present substantial undiagnosed and untreated comorbidities compared with the general population. Hence, the prevalence of comorbid HBV/HCV infections in, and healthcare utilization by patients with schizophrenia should be determined.