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[Hepatitis B markers at 3 open centers for mentally retarded]
F Devesa1, F Martínez, M J Moreno
1Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Francesc de Borja, Gandía, Valencia.
Revista Espanola De Enfermedades Digestivas
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection prevalence was studied in 161 mentally retarded patients. Older patients (over 17) showed significantly higher HBV markers, indicating a need for early prophylaxis.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a global health challenge.
- Understanding HBV prevalence in vulnerable populations, such as individuals with intellectual disabilities, is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection markers in mentally retarded patients.
- To compare HBV marker prevalence across different age groups within this population and with the general population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted on 161 mentally retarded patients aged 1-56 in three open institutions.
- Serum samples were analyzed for positive serum markers of HBV infection, including HBsAg.
- Statistical analysis compared prevalence rates between age groups and with a control group.
Main Results:
- Overall, 9.3% of patients showed positive HBV markers.
- Patients older than 17 had a significantly higher prevalence of HBV markers (20.6%) compared to those under 17 (1.1%) and the control group (5.1%).
- HBsAg carriers were found in 4.4% of patients over 17, higher than the general population (0.4%).
Conclusions:
- HBV prevalence is similar to the general population in younger mentally retarded individuals but increases significantly with age.
- Active prophylaxis for hepatitis B is recommended for the younger population within this collective.
- Prevalence of HBV markers and HBsAg carriers appears lower in open institutions compared to closed institutions in Spain.