Viral hepatitis in the US Navy, 1975-1984.
The epidemiology of viral hepatitis in US Navy enlisted personnel was reviewed for the years 1975-1984. Hospital discharge summaries of all active duty enlisted personnel admitted to a US Navy treatment facility were used for the study. From 1975 to 1984, total first hospitalizations for viral hepatitis declined from 128 per 100,000 personnel (95% confidence interval (Cl) 118-139) to 56 per 100,000 personnel (95% Cl 50-63). The highest incidence of acute viral hepatitis (115 per 100,000 personnel) was found in the youngest age groups aged 24 years and less. Risk factors for acute hepatitis included a previous hospitalization with either drug abuse (relative risk = 363) or a sexually transmitted disease (relative risk = 25) listed among the discharge diagnoses. Having a medical job classification was also associated with an increased risk of acute hepatitis. The steep decline in the incidence of viral hepatitis during this 10-year period may have been due to decreasing drug abuse in the US Navy. Immunization of high-risk groups in the US Navy with hepatitis B vaccine could be an effective policy for the prevention of acute viral hepatitis.
Hyams
K C
KC
Naval Medical Research Institute, Infectious Disease Dept., Bethesda, MD 20814-5055.
Palinkas
L A
LA
Burr
R G
RG
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D006525:Hepatitis, Viral, Human / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D014481:United States; D014761:Viral Hepatitis Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage
D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D014761:Viral Hepatitis Vaccines