Abstract | OBJECTIVE: To determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis A, B and C and the prevalence of risk factors for blood-borne infections in persons subject to homelessness attending a medical clinic in inner Sydney. METHOD: During 2003-05, 201 clients were enrolled in a prospective study to determine the acceptance, completion rates and immunogenicity of the standard vaccination schedule for hepatitis A and B. On enrolment, clients completed a risk factor assessment questionnaire and undertook pre-vaccination serological screening for hepatitis A, B and C. RESULTS: CONCLUSION: Persons subject to homelessness are at risk of blood-borne infection. The seroprevalence of markers for hepatitis B and C are higher than in the general population. IMPLICATIONS: Despite the high proportion of clients with serological markers for hepatitis A and B, at least 69% of clients could potentially benefit from hepatitis A and/or B vaccination.
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Authors | Roslyn Poulos, Mark Ferson, Karen Orr, Adrienne Lucy, Susan Botham, Michele McCarthy, Jerome Stern, Julie Dixon, Carolyn Murray, Suzanne Polis |
Journal | Australian and New Zealand journal of public health
(Aust N Z J Public Health)
Vol. 31
Issue 3
Pg. 247-51
(Jun 2007)
ISSN: 1326-0200 [Print] Australia |
PMID | 17679243
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Hepatitis
(epidemiology, immunology)
- Hepatitis Antibodies
(analysis)
- Ill-Housed Persons
- Humans
- New South Wales
(epidemiology)
- Prospective Studies
- Risk Factors
- Seroepidemiologic Studies
- Surveys and Questionnaires
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