[Prevalence of hepatitis B virus [HBV] infection among Iranian prisoners during 2001-2005]

ABSTRACT

To determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus [HBV] infection, as a blood borne viral infection, among prisoners and its associated factors in Iran. In this cross sectional study, 5317 inmates, who had stayed in prison for at least 3 months, were tested in 7 provinces from 2001 to 2005. The degree of contamination with HBV and its association with age and drug abuse were evaluated. The frequency of contamination with HBV ranged from 1% to 15% in different prisons. Overall frequency was 6.7% [95% CI 6.1%-7.4%]. The crude and adjusted association between HBV infection and age was studied. While adjusted for prisons. The result showed no significant association between age and HBV infection [P = 0.88] based on Mantel Heanszel test. However, there was a significant association between HBV infection and drug abuse in two out of seven prisons [where the data was available]. The frequency of contamination with HBV infection is relatively high [more than twice] in prisons comparing to the general population [6.7% VS 2.8%]. Planning regular screening, preventive practices such as vaccination against HBV in prisoners as well as easy access to therapeutic facilities are highly recommended