RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The objectives of this study are to determine the positive rate of HBV serologic markers and infection rate, and to evaluate the efficiency of hepatitis B vaccination. METHODS: Study subjects included 905 persons in 1988-1989 and 744 persons in 1993-1994 living in typical rural communities in Korea. Three serologic markers(HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc) were tested by radio-immunoassay(RIA). Supplemental informations were collected by self-administered questionnaire and interview on age, sex, history and frequency of vaccination. RESULTS: 1) Among non-vaccinees, HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc positive rates and infection rate in 1993-1994/1988-1989 were 5.4%/6.5%, 49.1%/45.9%, 48.3%/44.1% and 60.6%/54.5% respectively. The infection rate showed a trend of continuous increase as the age increased, while statistically significant increase was seen over age 20. 2) Overall vaccination rate was 18.1% in 1988-1989 and 37.9% in 1993-1994, showing statistically significant increase in vaccination rate. The rate in younger age groups were higher than in older groups in 1988-1989, but there was no difference by age groups in 1993-1994. Among vaccinees, anti-HBs only positive group occupied 42.7% in 1988-1989 and 41.3% in 1993-1994. HBs Ag negative and anti-HBc positive group occupied 26.2% in 1988-1989 and 36.73% in 1993-1994. CONCLUSION: 1) Among non-vaccinees, HBsAg positive rate was decreased, but the hepatitis B infection rate was not decreased. 2) The test for selection of eligible person of vaccination and education program for completion of vaccination schedule must be reevaluated to improve the efficiency of hepatitis B vaccination.