Abstract | OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibodies among Montreal street youth. METHOD:
Anti-HAV antibody testing was performed on blood samples from a hepatitis B and C study conducted among street youth in 1995-96. RESULTS: Among the 427 youth aged 14 to 25 years, prevalence of HAV antibodies was 4.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.9%-7.2%). A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that birth in a country with a high anti-HAV prevalence (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 200.7; 95% CI: 38.1-1058.4), having had sexual partner(s) with history of unspecified hepatitis (AOR: 13.8; 95% CI: 4.2-45.2), and insertive anal penetration (AOR: 5.1; 95% CI: 1.6-16.7) were independently associated with infection. CONCLUSION: Based on the relatively low HAV prevalence, the high prevalence of risk factors for infection, and the substantial hepatitis B and C prevalence, vaccination against hepatitis A is now actively promoted among Montreal street youth.
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Authors | Elise Roy, Nancy Haley, Pascale Leclerc, Lyne Cédras, Lucie Bédard, Robert Allard |
Journal | Canadian journal of public health = Revue canadienne de sante publique
(Can J Public Health)
2002 Jan-Feb
Vol. 93
Issue 1
Pg. 52-3
ISSN: 0008-4263 [Print] Switzerland |
PMID | 11925701
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Female
- Hepatitis A
(diagnosis, epidemiology, transmission)
- Hepatitis Antibodies
(blood)
- Homeless Youth
(statistics & numerical data)
- Humans
- Male
- Quebec
(epidemiology)
- Risk Factors
- Seroepidemiologic Studies
- Sexual Behavior
- Surveys and Questionnaires
- Urban Population
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