[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.