Hepatitis B virus infection risk factors and immunity among sexually transmitted disease clinic clients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a sexually transmitted infection that can be prevented with hepatitis B vaccination.

GOAL

The goal was to determine prevalence and risk factors for HBV infection and immunity among sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic clients.

STUDY DESIGN

In this cross-sectional study, consenting adult STD clinic clients were interviewed regarding HBV risk factors and vaccination history, and blood was drawn for HBV serologic testing.

RESULTS

Of the 682 participants, 154 (22.6%) had antibody to hepatitis B core antigen, indicating previous infection, and 64 (9.4%) had only antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen, indicating immunity as a result of hepatitis B vaccination. Only 130 (19.1%) of all participants reported receiving at least one dose of hepatitis B vaccine.

CONCLUSION

The majority of clients were susceptible to HBV, were at high risk for HBV infection, and would benefit from hepatitis B vaccination.