[Routines for infection testing and vaccination against hepatitis B among applicants for asylum. A questionnaire study among health personnel responsible for reception of asylum applicants].

The authors performed a questionnaire survey to investigate the current routines for screening applicants for asylum for hepatitis B virus, HIV and intestinal parasites, and for vaccination against hepatitis B. The response rate was 82% (n = 80). Of the respondents, 58% were physicians, 23% public health nurses and 18% nurses. Without regard to country of origin of the applicant 71% of the health personnel usually offer an HIV-test and 77% an HBsAg-test. Few differentiated their testing routines according to country of origin. Many agreed that an HIV-test (49%) and an HBsAg-test (65%) ought to be made compulsory. 26% usually offer vaccination against hepatitis B, while 54% do so if the person concerned is an infant. Routine screening for intestinal parasites was reported by 27% of the health personnel, but more than half (54%) take only one sample from each patient. Health control of applicants for asylum provides a good opportunity to give information about the transmission of hepatitis B and HIV, preventive measures, and testing.