The aim of this study was to determine the frequencies of serological markers for hepatitis B and risk factors associated with HBV infection among young women living in Vitória, Espírito Santo, where vaccination for newborns and adolescents started in 1994 and 2000, respectively. This was a population-based study performed by sampling in three health regions of Vitória in 2006. Interviews were held and HBsAg, anti-HBc and anti-HBs were investigated. Out of 1,200 women selected, 1,029 (85.7%) were enrolled. The median age was 23 years (interquartile range: 20-26 years) and 93.2% had had more than four years of schooling. Forty-three women (4.2%; 95%CI 2.97%-5.43%) were positive for anti-HBc total, and nine, for HBsAg (0.9%; 95%CI 0.4%-1.6%)]. There were 466 positive anti-HBs tests (45.3%; 95%CI 42.2%-48.4%), of which 427 were negative for anti-HBc and HBsAg. Monthly income of up to four minimum monthly salaries was the only variable independently associated with positive anti-HBc tests (OR = 2.6: 95%CI 1.06-6.29). These data show low prevalence of the hepatitis B virus and its better-known risk factors. The prevalence of positive anti-HBs tests with negative anti-HBc and HBsAg tests reflects the vaccine coverage in the municipality in this group (43.7%). It was not possible to determine any significant risk factors for hepatitis B virus acquisition among this population.
Hepatitis B; Young women; Prevalence; Risk factors
