Prevalence of hepatitis A antibodies in food handlers in Italy.
The aim of the study was to investigate the anti-HAV prevalence in food handlers in the area of Catanzaro, Italy. A cross-sectional survey was performed by selecting all food handlers attending local health units for routine medical examination during the period from May 1994 through December 1994. A prevalence of 68.7% was recorded in the 294 participating subjects, and it increased significantly with increasing age (Chi-square test for trend = 126.95; p < 0.0001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed a significant association in the prevalence of anti-HAV with years of activity: food handlers with ten or more years' experience have an adjusted odd ratio of 2.4 (95% CI = 1.01-5.6) compared to those with a shorter period of activity. The results indicate that finding and implementing ways to motivate food handlers to use correct infection control measures routinely should be made a priority.
Angelillo
I F
IF
Chair of Hygiene Medical School, University of Reggio Calabria, Catanzaro, Italy.
Nobile
C G
CG
Talarico
F
F
Pavia
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003151:Community Health Centers; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005511:Food Handling; D035922:Hepatitis A Antibodies; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012044:Regression Analysis
D035922:Hepatitis A Antibodies; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies