Seroprevalence and factors associated with hepatitis B virus exposure in the incarcerated population from southern Brazil.

Hepatitis B viral infection (HBV) in prisons poses serious public health challenges because it significantly contributes to the increase in both morbidity and mortality indicators worldwide. Research has shown high HBV prevalence among inmates when compared to the general population. In this study, we estimated the prevalence of HBV exposure and its risk factors among 1,132 inmates detained in high security institutions. A cross-sectional, epidemiological study was carried out in 11 male-only prisons in the State of Paraná, Brazil, between May 2015 to December 2016. HBV exposure was explored using a variety of methods, including HBsAg, anti-HBs, and total anti-HBc. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate techniques. The overall prevalence of HBV exposure was 11.9% (95% CI: 10.9-12.8), totaling 135 individuals. In the multivariate analyses, risk factors that remained statistically significant were related to the penitentiary location (Francisco Beltrão; OR = 5.59; 95% CI: 3.32-9.42), age (over 30 years; OR = 5.78; 95% CI: 3.58-9.34), undergoing tattooing procedures in prison (OR = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.03-2.60), self-reported sexual activities with a known drug user (OR = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.12-2.48) and having a history of previous history of hepatitis B or C infection (OR = 2.62; 95% CI: 1.48-4.64). The findings indicate that public policies-including vaccination, early diagnosis, harm reduction strategies, and adequate treatment-should be designed and delivered in the same way for both the incarcerated and the general population in order to reduce the prevalence of HBV and its associated consequences.

Caracterização epidemiológica da hepatite B em idosos / Epidemiologic characterization of hepatitis B among older adults

Resumo Objetivo Caracterizar o perfil e identificar os fatores associados à Hepatite B na população com 60 anos ou mais de idade da região Sudoeste do Paraná, Brasil. Método Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico descritivo e inferencial que analisou quantitativamente dados secundários obtidos através do Sistema Nacional de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN), entre 2007 a 2017. Resultados A Hepatite B foi mais frequente em homens, com baixa escolaridade e em indivíduos que exerciam atividade ligada à agricultura. A maioria dos casos foi notificada entre 2013 a 2017 e em sujeitos que reportaram exposição a material biológico. No modelo multivariado de regressão logística, as infecções pelos vírus da hepatite B foram associadas à raça/cor não branca (OR: 2,89; IC95% 1,07 - 7,87), ao histórico de realização de transfusão sanguínea (OR: 14,51; IC95% 5,44 - 38,74), em residentes de municípios de 10 a 20 mil habitantes (OR: 4,57; IC95% 1,59 - 13,12) e de municípios entre 20 a 50 mil habitantes (OR: 4,33; IC95% 1,61 - 11,56). Conclusão A caracterização dos possíveis fatores de risco para hepatite B nessa população podem subsidiar ações mais eficazes de prevenção e promoção de saúde, bem como fomentar estudos específicos que possam guiar políticas de atenção integral ao idoso.

Abstract Objective to characterize the epidemiologic profile of Hepatitis B in the population aged 60 years old or more from the southwest region of the state of Paraná, Brazil, between 2007 and 2017. Method an epidemiologic, descriptive, and inferential study was conducted based on notifications obtained from the Notifiable Diseases Information System(or SINAN). Results Hepatitis B was more frequent in men, those with low levels of schooling and among individuals who worked in agriculture. Most of the cases were reported between 2013 and 2017 in subjects who reported having been exposed to biological material. According to logistic regression, hepatitis B infections were associated with non-white ethnicity (OR: 2.89; 95%CI 1.07 - 7.87), a history of blood transfusions (OR: 14.51; 95%CI 5.44 - 38.74), living in municipal regions with 10,000 to 20,000 inhabitants (OR: 4.57; 95%CI 1.59 - 13.12) and also among individuals from municipal regions with 20,000 to 50,000 inhabitants (OR: 4.33; 95%CI 1.61 - 11.56). Conclusion the epidemiological profile reported here represents a risk factor for hepatitis B in this population. The data can support more effective interventions, as well as further studies to guide comprehensive public health policies for older adults.