[Sero-epidemiologic study of the risk of hepatitis B among hospital staff]

A sero-epidemiologic survey about risk of hepatitis was conducted with antibody to hepatitis B core antigen in a large hospital between 1981 and 1984. Among 2363 volunteers for vaccine in health care personnel, 285 were sero-positive (12.0%). Seropositivity increases with age and duration of employment in hospital. It is also associated with occupational category and hospital sector of activity. Using logistic regression method for analysis of risk factors, duration of employment was found as being the predominant one. Other factors included in the model were activity in pediatric wards, health care schools, intensive care units, surgical wards, medical staff and paramedics (low risk), surgeons, anesthetists and laboratory housekeepers (high risk). Nevertheless, operational target group for vaccine cannot be clearly defined. It was concluded that indications for vaccine should be extended to all health care hospital personnel.