Author/Authors :
Ataie, Mehdi School of Medicine - Islamic Azad University - Najafabad Branch , Nokhodian, Zary School of Medicine - Islamic Azad University - Najafabad Branch , Ataei, Behrooz School of Medicine - Islamic Azad University - Najafabad Branch , Kassaian, Nazila Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract :
Background: Juveniles in custody are affected by sexually transmitted infections due to risky behaviors. Therefore, they have a
disproportionate burden of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In this study, the prevalence and
associated characteristics of hepatitis B and HIV infections were assessed in young prisoners. Materials and Methods: In this
cross‑sectional study, prevalence of HBV and HIV infections was assessed among young prisoners during 2008‑2009. A checklist
consisting of demographic, social, and risk factors was filled out and blood was drawn for their tests. Sera were analyzed for hepatitis
B surface antigen (HBs Ag), hepatitis B surface antibody (HBs Ab), hepatitis B core antibody (HBc Ab) and HIV Ab, and Western
blot test was performed on antibody‑positive HIV. Results: A total number of 160 young prisoners (147 boys and 13 girls) were
evaluated. The mean age of the subjects was 16.59 ± 1.24 year. HBs Ag, HBc Ab, HBs Ab, and HIV Ab were detected in 1 (0.63%),
1 (0.63%), 52 (32.5%), and 1 (0.63%), respectively. Conclusion: With respect to national vaccination program against HBV infection,
the juvenile prisoners had low prevalence of HBs Ab.
