[Diffusion of hepatitis B among residents of an institution for handicapped children].
BACKGROUND
To estimate the prevalence of serologic markers of hepatitis B (SMHB) among residents of an institution for social or mental handicapped children in Castellón, and its association with risk factors.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study with determination of SMHB by radioimmunoassay. 98 of the 100 residents participate in the study.


RESULTS
Prevalence of SMHB was 24.5% (95% confidence interval: 16.4%-34.1%). Seven residents were hepatitis B surface antigen positive with three hepatitis B e antigen positive. SMHB prevalence was 0 in infants, 18.8% in toddlers, 24.5% in schoolchildren, 11.1% in special education, and 76.9% in permanent residents. Logistic regression analysis found associations of SMHB prevalence with age (Odds ratio [OR] = 5.8, 95% CI: 1.1-29.0), old age at admission with protective character (OR = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4-0.8), and duration of stay (OR = 1.2 95% CI: 1.0-1.3), adjusting by sex, mental deficiency, and hepatitis B (HB) determinants like surgery, blood transfusion, odontology, bites, and injections.


CONCLUSIONS
A predominant transmission of HB in young ages is suggested. Vaccination against HB, hygienic measures, and periodic serologic studies of HB are essential to prevent this disease.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002674:Child, Institutionalized; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008607:Intellectual Disability; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D015995:Prevalence; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology
D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
Difusión de la hepatitis B entre los residentes de una institución para niños con minusavalías.