Research Article

THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HEPATITIS A INFECTION IN THE POPULATION OF BORNOVA, IZMIR, TURKEY

Volume: 46 Number: 1 March 1, 2007
  • Ferda Özkınay
  • Zafer Kurugöl
  • Güldane Koturoğlu
  • Tijen Özacar
  • İmre Altuğlu
  • Fadıl Vardar
  • Cumhur Gündüz
  • Cihangir Özkinay
TR EN

THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HEPATITIS A INFECTION IN THE POPULATION OF BORNOVA, IZMIR, TURKEY

Abstract

Background: In this study we aimed to assess the age specific prevalence of hepatitis A in population living in Bornova, Izmir /TURKEY and to identify risk factors for the hepatitis A infection. Methods: This study population was composed of 1124 healthy subjects aged 1 to 65 years old. Subjects were stratified into seven age groups. Antibodies to hepatitis A virus (HAV) were determined by enzyme immunoassay test kits. For each subject a questionnaire inquiring about socioeconomic factors was completed. Results: Prevalence of anti-HAV significantly increased with age showing two peaks in the groups of 7-10 ages and 19-24 ages. The seropositivity was 5.9%, 12.7%, 33%, 32.8%, 43.2%, 71.4%, 91.7% in the age groups 1-2, 3-6, 7-10, 11-14, 15-18, 19-24, > 24. People living in rural area had a significantly higher prevalence of HAV infection than people living in urban area. Socioeconomic factors significantly affected the prevalence of HAV infection. Higher parents' education, use of tap water and higher income were protective. Conclusion: This study showed that HAV infection is moderately endemic in İzmir. There is a significant difference in the prevalence of HAV antibodies between people and different socioeconomic levels. Vaccination against hepatitis A should be considered before primary school period because the infection shows a peak in this period.

Keywords

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Health Care Administration

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Ferda Özkınay

Zafer Kurugöl

Güldane Koturoğlu

Tijen Özacar

İmre Altuğlu

Fadıl Vardar

Cumhur Gündüz

Cihangir Özkinay

Publication Date

March 1, 2007

Submission Date

March 1, 2007

Acceptance Date

-

Published in Issue

Year 2007 Volume: 46 Number: 1

Vancouver
1.Ferda Özkınay, Zafer Kurugöl, Güldane Koturoğlu, Tijen Özacar, İmre Altuğlu, Fadıl Vardar, Cumhur Gündüz, Cihangir Özkinay. THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HEPATITIS A INFECTION IN THE POPULATION OF BORNOVA, IZMIR, TURKEY. EJM [Internet]. 2007 Mar. 1;46(1):1-6. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA37SM52SC

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