[Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection and needs of vaccination in high risk populations].
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to evaluate the serological status of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the vaccination's needs among high risk populations.


METHODS
Cross sectional study of subjects first attending a HIV diagnosis clinic in Madrid during 2000-2002. Patients who had not been vaccinated for HBV were classified according to the serological markers as active infection (HBsAg+), past infection (anti-HBc+ and HBsAg) or susceptible (anti-HBc).


RESULTS
A total of 7,827 patients were analyzed: 5.2% injecting drug users, 21% homosexual men, 38% female sex workers, and 34% subjects with other heterosexual risks. 50% were from countries other than Spain. HIV prevalence was 4.1%. 10.4% had completed or initiated the vaccination. The prevalence of HBsAg was 1.2% and it was associated with age over 30 years and an origin country in Africa or eastern Europe. 76% were susceptible to HBV and this status was independently associated with male sex, age lower than 30 years, heterosexual risk, Spaniard or Latin American origin, and HIV seronegative.


CONCLUSIONS
Vaccination should be intensified in health care settings commonly attended by these population groups.
Rodríguez
Carmen
C
Centro Sanitario Sandoval. Instituto Madrileño de Salud. Madrid. Spain. crbazan@hotmail.com
Castilla
Jesús
J
del Romero
Jorge
J
Lillo
Almudena
A
Puig
María Eugenia
ME
García
Soledad
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors
D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines