The Young Men's Survey phase II: hepatitis B immunization and infection among young men who have sex with men.
OBJECTIVE
We measured the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) immunization and HBV infection among men aged 23 to 29 years who have sex with men.


METHODS
We analyzed data from 2834 men who have sex with men in 6 US metropolitan areas. Participants were interviewed and tested for serologic markers of immunization and HBV infection in 1998 through 2000.


RESULTS
Immunization prevalence was 17.2%; coverage was 21.0% among participants with private physicians or health maintenance organizations and 12.6% among those with no source of health care. Overall, 20.6% had markers of HBV infection, ranging from 13.7% among the youngest to 31.0% among the oldest participants. Among those susceptible to HBV, 93.5% had regular sources of health care, had been tested for HIV, or had been treated for a sexually transmitted disease.


CONCLUSIONS
Although many young men who have sex with men have access to health care, most are not immunized against HBV. To reduce morbidity from HBV in this population, providers of health care, including sexually transmitted disease and HIV prevention services, should provide vaccinations or referrals for vaccination.
Weinbaum
Cindy M
CM
Office of Communications, NCHHSTP, Mailstop E-06, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 16000 Clifton Road, Atlanta GA 30333, USA. NPIN2@cdc.gov
Lyerla
Rob
R
Mackellar
Duncan A
DA
Valleroy
Linda A
LA
Secura
Gina M
GM
Behel
Stephanie K
SK
Bingham
Trista
T
Celentano
David D
DD
Koblin
Beryl A
BA
Lalota
Marlene
M
Shehan
Douglas A
DA
Thiede
Hanne
H
Torian
Lucia V
LV
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006296:Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology*; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000302:isolation & purification; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014505:Urban Population
D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines