Prevalence and risk factors for HBV infection among street youth in central Brazil

A seroprevalence survey was carried out among 496 street adolescents from 9 to 20 years old in central Brazil to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV) markers, as well as to assess the role of potential risk factors.

The findings reveal that 20.4% of the participants were homeless adolescents without family links, living and/or working on the streets. The age at first sexual intercourse was as low as 9 years old, and approximately 60% of this population had had at least one sexual relationship by the age of thirteen, indicating prepubertal initiation of sexual experiences among street adolescents. 13.5% were HBV marker-positive (anti-HBc) and 2.0% had antigenemia. Street-based youth had a higher HBV marker-positive rate when compared to home-based teens (OR = 4.1, 95% CI: 2.1-8.5) and, similarly, higher HBV prevalence was obtained for those reporting sexual activity versus the group without sexual activity (OR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.1-3.9), even after adjusting for potential confounders.

We have found that street youth, particularly street-based adolescents, should be considered at-risk group for hepatitis B infection in our region. These findings may be used as a baseline information for policy changes not only in hepatitis B prevention but also to reverse the scenario of adolescents sexual abuse.