Seroepidemiology of hepatitis B virus infection: analysis of mass screening in Hawaii

Although hepatitis B seroprevalence has been studied extensively in California and New York, detailed information for other high-risk areas in the United States is lacking. To study current prevalence and risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Hawaii, we analyzed cross-sectional data from Hawaii residents screened between July 2003 and April 2006.

We retrospectively reviewed the screening records of 3,989 participants recruited at health fairs and clinics. Prevalence and risk factors for HBV infection were estimated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.

Total prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was 3.6%. Gender, age, and ethnicity were independently associated with HBsAg seropositivity. In a multivariate logistic regression model, males were at increased risk for HBsAg compared with females (odds ratio [OR] = 1.53, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-2.16) and persons aged 70 years or older were less likely to test positive than those younger than 30 (OR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.11-0.61). In addition, multivariate ORs of HBsAg seropositivity were 3.24 (95% CI: 1.04-10.09), 4.13 (95% CI: 1.66-10.29), and 7.47 (95% CI: 2.52-22.11) for Vietnamese, Chinese, and Pacific Islanders, respectively, compared with Whites.

This study furthers current knowledge of HBV epidemiology in areas with large populations of high-risk immigrants and demonstrates the relevance of screening programs for hepatitis B.